Double All-Ireland winning Clare hurler announces retirement

"What a warrior he has been".

Clare stalwart Paul Flanagan has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling at the age of 32.

The Ballylea man started his hurling career as a student at St Flannan's College in Ennis, before competing in the Fitzgibbon Cup with the University of Limerick.

Flanagan first appeared on the inter-county scene with Clare at minor level, captaining the team to a defeat by Kilkenny in the 2010 All-Ireland minor final and again when he and the Banner retained the Under-21 title in 2013.

He made his senior debut the following year but, hampered by injuries, had to wait until 2020 for his first championship start, in a qualifier against Laois.

He was a non-used substitute when Clare beat Cork in a replay to win the All-Ireland SHC title in 2013, and earned his second All-Ireland winners medal in July.

Flanagan also won two Allianz Hurling League titles and has four county/one Munster club crowns to his name with Ballyea.

"It has been the honour of my life. Thank you for the support and opportunity along the way," Flanagan said, in a message posted by Clare GAA on social media.

Clare and Ballyea defender Paul Flanagan has today announced his retirement from inter county hurling . Congratulations to Paul on his legacy and an exemplary career with Clare and thanks to him for all the countless memories and tenacious performances he gave us in Saffron and… pic.twitter.com/aBUdnAEg8j

— Clare Gaa (@GaaClare) September 27, 2024

Clare GAA said: "We wish Paul all the best in his retirement. He has been a fantastic player, leader, ambassador, and team-mate throughout his 11-year senior career in saffron and blue.

"Anyone who has shared a dressing room with Paul will attest that he has embodied all a Clare supporter could wish for in a hurler. We thank him sincerely for his dedication and commitment in addition to the wonderful days of hurling he has delivered.

"All in Clare GAA congratulate Paul as one of our most decorated players in terms of silverware and wish him continued success with his club Ballyea and in all aspects of his future."

One Clare fan on X described Flanagan as "a pure Gent", and congratulated him on his "stellar service to the Banner".

Another wrote: "A great pity that Paul has retired but what a warrior he has been. Very unfortunate with injuries you could possibly call him a 'what if' player but by god he gave everything for the banner and the Clare jersey. An all round good guy and great servant."