The Allianz Hurling League begins on Saturday with two games on the opening night. Tipperary welcome Dublin to Thurles in Division 1A, while Wexford travel to the Gaelic Grounds for a game against Limerick in Division 1B.
One player that won't be lining out for Tipperary on Saturday night is Shane McGrath. The Ballinahinch star was part of the All-Ireland winning team in 2010 and also was victorious in five Munster finals.
Last November, McGrath announced his retirement from inter-county hurling. He spoke on Friday to Newstalk Sport's Oisin Langan about retirement from the inter-county game and how he expects Tipperary to perform in the league.
"It's going to be a big weird going to Thurles on Saturday night to watch the boys. That's just the way it is. I'm just one of many who retired. It's going to be the same next year. People come and go, but the counties remain the same and their ambitions remain the same."
Michael Ryan has taken charge of the team in 2016, and McGrath expects the young team to face challenges throughout the league campaign. "Change will be good for the lads that have been there a while. (Ryan) knows everybody very well at this stage. He knows the guys he has brought in a very capable of bringing them to the next level... It will be very interesting to see how things pan out."
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