Reale reasons for retirement

Limerick’s Damien Reale has cited work commitments as his reason for calling time on his days with the inter-county hurlers.

Many feel that the 30-year-old has been premature in opting to end it all and not work under John Allen in 2011. However, the departing defender says that he has to put his young family first, adding that he had always intended to walk away once the Treaty’s championship came to an end this year.

"I would like to thank my family and friends and wife Sarah for all their support down the years,” former Limerick captain Reale was quoted as saying by the Limerick Leader.

“Myself and Donie (Ryanm who has also retired) had our decisions made after the Dublin game (All-Ireland quarter-final defeat).

"I now have Damien Reale Health and Safety Services and will be working between Wexford and Clare so simply won't have the time."

Allen replaced fellow former Cork manager Donal O’Grady at the Limerick helm recently, and he will hope to add further to the huge progress the Munster county made under his predecessor.