PJ Ryan has become the latest Kilkenny star to bring his inter-county hurling career to a close.
James ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick and Eddie Brennan both announced their retirements in recent weeks and now Ryan has decided to follow suit after nine years with the senior squad.
Ryan joined the squad in 2002 and as a member of Brian Cody's side he went on to win seven senior All-Ireland medals, nine Leinster championships and five National League titles.
One of his biggest performances in the black and yellow came in the 2009 All-Ireland final against Tipperary when the goalkeeper produced brilliant save after brilliant save as the Cats ran out 2-22 to 0-23 winners.
Unsurprisingly he was named man of the match for his heroics in the Kilkenny goal and was named on the All Star team a short while later.
"I leave with no regrets. I arrived with nothing but hope, and I left with a pocketful of medals. I was blessed to be part of Kilkenny hurling during a golden era," Ryan said.
Reflecting on the 2009 All-Ireland final, he told the Kilkenny People: "I worked especially hard during the weeks leading up to that final.
"I spent so much time working in the hurling field in Johnstown and in the ball alley with my father that he was nearly ready to make a return to hurling."
Kilkenny secretary Ned Quinn believes the Cats have Ryan to thank for their 2009 success, saying: "We wouldn’t have won that final without that inspired showing from PJ. His loyalty to Kilkenny was of the highest order.
"It took him a while to get into the team, but after he got in and did his bit, including being the one who made the difference in that 2009 final, he stayed on in the squad to make sure the county was well covered for goalkeepers."