Long-serving Tipperary forward Philip Austin has announced his retirement from inter-county football.
The Borrisokane attacker played for the Premier for 15 seasons and was part of the side which landed their first Munster title in 85 years last term.
He kicked a late point while making a cameo from the bench in that historic win over Cork, having just returned from a groin injury.
Austin's last inter-county match proved to be Tipperary's loss to Mayo in the All-Ireland semi-finals last November when the Offaly-based teacher also came off the bench.
“Goodbye to the Tipperary football family and thanks for the memories", he wrote in announcing his decision on social media.
Goodbye to the Tipperary football family and thanks for the memories @TippfootballGAA 👋 💙💛 pic.twitter.com/OeErmY0raR
— Philip Austin (@PhilAustin1986) April 23, 2021
After impressing at minor level, the 34-year-old made his Championship debut against Kerry in 2006 and played in the Munster decider in 2016 before helping Tipp to reach the All-Ireland semis through the qualifiers.
Austin captained his county in 2012 and also won Division Four and Division Three National Football League medals during his career.
“I have to laugh when I hear people wonder how some of the older Dublin footballers or Kilkenny hurlers keep coming back for more every year,” he told the GAA's website last year when asked about why he came back to play each year.
“It's very easy to come back when you're winning and you've lots of cups, medals, and team holidays to show for your efforts.
“When you're coming back to a November slog and you've been beaten again the previous year and come away with no silverware, it's probably a lot tougher.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
