Kilkenny hurling great Eoin Murphy announces retirement after 16 years

The Glenmore goalkeeper steps away with four All-Ireland titles, four All-Stars and 10 Leinster senior hurling medals.

Four-time All-Ireland winner Eoin Murphy retires from Kilkenny hurling. File picture: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Kilkenny’s Eoin Murphy, considered one of the great hurling goalkeepers, has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.

The Glenmore man won four All-Ireland titles, four All-Stars, 10 Leinster senior hurling titles and five Division 1 titles during his career.

The 36-year-old steps away having made his senior debut for the Cats in 2012, before becoming first-choice goalkeeper in 2013. His two All-Ireland final victories came in 2014 and 2015, against Tipperary and Galway respectively.

Injuries affected his appearances in recent years, but he started in goal for Kilkenny’s final four Leinster Senior Hurling Championship matches this past season. His last game came against Dublin in May.

‘The pleasure was all mine’

“Dreamt it - Lived it - Loved it!” Murphy wrote in a statement released by Kilkenny GAA.

“After 16 years, I've made the decision to retire from the Kilkenny senior hurling team. For more than half my life, I have had the honour of playing with Kilkenny through minor, U21 and then senior. I've been lucky to be part of some incredible teams and to play alongside some of the greatest players in the game.

“I want to wish Henry (Shefflin) and his backroom team the very best of luck in the coming years. I have no doubt they will get Kilkenny back to where we belong. The team has just gained a massive supporter.

“To all the coaches, selectors, backroom teams, medical staff, and kit men, I cannot thank you enough for the endless hours you spent beside us, allowing us to perform on the biggest days of all. Your time and dedication to our cause were never taken for granted.

“A special mention to my great friend and mentor Brother Damien Brennan (RIP). Your guidance allowed me to perform at levels I did not believe were possible. I am now a better person because of you.

“It is hard to describe the bond you create with teammates when you spend a minimum of five days a week together, all trying to achieve the same goal. To every player I had the honour of playing alongside, the journey would not have been as enjoyable without you. Above all, I always wanted to be remembered as a good teammate.” 

Murphy thanked his parents, Paddy and Bridget, his brothers Aidan and Shane, who also lined out for Kilkenny, his club Glenmore, and his wife Gráinne and daughter Bríd.

“Sin é - the pleasure was all mine. Up the Cats!” he concluded.

Kilkenny GAA pays tribute

Kilkenny GAA chairman PJ Kenny paid tribute to Murphy’s contribution to the county.

“Eoin has been a wonderful ambassador for Kilkenny and for his club, Glenmore. His commitment to the black and amber has been exemplary and, throughout his career, he has been central to so many memorable days for Kilkenny hurling.

“Eoin has been an exceptional goalkeeper and one of the outstanding players of his generation. His shot-stopping ability was exceptional, but he brought so much more to the position and has had a significant influence on how the role has developed.”