'It was an honour to be part of this Kilkenny team - Brennan'
January 14, 2012
Kilkenny legend Eddie Brennan has confirmed that he has called time on his illustrious county hurling career.
Speaking to the GPA today, the eight-time All-Ireland winner said that he believed the time was right to move on, something he had been contemplating since last September’s triumph over Tipp.
“To be honest I’ve been thinking a lot about it since last September. Our son Harry was born the week of the final and a new chapter has opened in my life.
“I suppose the first reaction after winning against Tipp was relief that we had won the title back and that was the most important thing for me, that Kilkenny were back on top. However, it meant the opportunity, rare enough for players, to retire on a high.
“As I said that wasn’t the most important thing but as I was considering the move anyway, it helped me to make up my mind.
“I don’t believe this is an end for me, rather one door closing and another opening, moving on to another part of my life, particularly at home with the family.
“I am very honoured, privileged to have been part of this Kilkenny panel under Brian Cody. It has been an incredible journey and I am well aware how lucky and privileged I am to have enjoyed the success I did. I was also lucky not to have sustained any serious injuries and I look around at some of my former team mates and I know they can’t say the same thing.
“County hurling is 100 percent commitment, end of story. You can’t half throw yourself into it, regardless of how important your responsibilities are elsewhere. So I believe the time is right for me,” added the 33 year old Graigue Ballycallan man.
Brennan, a long-time GPA activist and National Executive Committee member, says he is also proud of the progress the players’ body has made during his time as a hurler with Kilkenny, a period that coincided with the emergence of the GPA.
“I am very proud of what the GPA has achieved and where it is now. I am also looking forward to giving more time to the Association now that I have retired, particularly sharing my own experiences with younger players.
“I’d also like to thank the many, many people in Kilkenny who have helped and supported me throughout my career and to all the great players who I had the honour of lining out alongside.”
Brennan, who made his senior debut with the Cats in 2000, won eight All-Ireland senior medals, four All-Stars, four league titles, 10 Leinster championships and an U21 All-Ireland.