Clare All-Ireland winner Paul Flanagan retires

The Ballyea defender was a member of the county’s All-Ireland SHC winning panels of 2013 and ’24

Paul Flanagan victory in the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final over Cork at Croke Park. Photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Clare and Ballyea defender Paul Flanagan has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.

A member of the county’s All-Ireland SHC winning panels of 2013 and ’24, the 32-year-old’s announcement was released through the county board’s official social channels.

The Ardscoil Rís Irish and Physical Education teacher was part of the squad throughout this year’s championship and came on in the opening Munster SHC round defeat to Limerick.

Flanagan, a cousin of Limerick forward Seamus and also a footballer with Clondegad, was an All-Star nominee in 2022. He steps away having also won two Division 1 medals (2016, ’24) and two U21 All-Ireland titles (2012 and ’13, the latter as captain), two Munster U21s and a provincial minor.

Clare GAA said: “We wish Paul all the best in his retirement. He has been a fantastic player, leader, ambassador, and team-mate throughout his 11-year senior career in saffron and blue.

“Anyone who has shared a dressing room with Paul will attest that he has embodied all a Clare supporter could wish for in a hurler. We thank him sincerely for his dedication and commitment in addition to the wonderful days of hurling he has delivered.

“All in Clare GAA congratulate Paul as one of our most decorated players in terms of silverware and wish him continued success with his club Ballyea and in all aspects of his future.”