Former Leinster Championship-winning Captain Stephen Hiney has retired from inter-county hurling. The Ballyboden-Saint Enda's man who led the Dubs to provincial success last year announced the news this morning.
Hiney describes winning the Bob O'Keeffe Cup as the highlight of his 13-year inter-county career. The defender follows in the footsteps of Eoin Kelly, John O'Brien, Aidan Fogarty, David Herity and Brian Hogan who have all announced their retirements in recent days.
In a statement released through the Dublin GAA website Hiney said:
I wish to announce my retirement from the Dublin Senior Hurling team. It has been a great honour and privilege to have represented my county at senior level over the past thirteen years. This is not a decision I have arrived at lightly, however, I believe the time is right.Although we never managed to make the big day in September, Dublin hurling has changed dramatically from when I first joined the team. It would have been hard to imagine Dublin winning Leinster championship and National League titles 13 years ago. The Leinster championship win was definitely the highlight of my career. I was also lucky enough to have captained the team for a number of seasons which was a huge honour for me.
I have experienced highs and lows during my playing career. I have endured some serious injuries along the way but thanks to the brilliant medical staff and backroom teams, I have been fortunate enough to be able to return to the playing field on each occasion.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and made it possible for me to play at this level for so long. Most importantly, I’d like to thank my wife Elaine and my family who have supported me from the very beginning. I’d also like to thank my club, Ballyboden, for their support and contribution to my development as a player. Thanks also to all the Dublin hurling management and backroom teams throughout the years. I would like to give a special mention to Anthony Daly and his management team with whom we experienced our greatest success. Without Anthony’s passion and drive, I’m sure we would not have experienced the success we did.
I have played with an amazing bunch of lads over the years, many of whom I regard as my closest friends. I have no doubt that with the talent in Dublin hurling at present they will have even more success over the coming years. I would like to wish Ger Cunningham, the management team and the current panel the very best of luck in the seasons ahead.
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