"Declan served the county with great skill and commitment. His quiet and determined personality was hugely influential on Tipperary’s success this year and he is held in very high regard by his fellow players, by team management and all associated with Tipperary hurling," the board said.

"He epitomised all that is good in the GAA. He will be missed very much. We thank him for his dedicated service and wish him and his family well for the future."

Fanning said it had been "a huge privilege for me to be a member of this great Tipperary hurling panel. I have never worked with a more committed management team or group of players."

He made 30 Senior Hurling Championship appearances for Tipperary and along with claiming an All-Ireland SHC title this year, he won two Munster SHC titles in 2008 and 2009 and a National League crown in 2008.

He was an All-Star award winner at full-back in 2007, the same year he claimed Interprovincial Championship honours with Munster.

Fanning also played senior football with Tipperary, lining out against Donegal at Croke Park in 2003.