Clare legend McMahon calls it quits
Clare centre back Seanie McMahon has announced his decision to retire from inter-county hurling after 13 years at the top.
The 33-year-old McMahon, who captained his county in recent seasons, was recognised as one of the great defenders of hurling's modern era.
He helped Clare end their 81-year wait for an All-Ireland SHC title in 1995, becoming the Texaco Hurler of the Year in the process. Famously, he played during a match in the '95 championship with a broken collarbone, emphasising his desire to see the Banner men lift the Liam McCarthy Cup.
As well as being a polished defender, McMahon's prowess from long range frees and 65s, which was visible in this year's All-Ireland semi-final when he struck over five placed balls in the defeat to Kilkenny, meant Clare could always turn to him for scores.
The eight-point loss to the Cats signalled the end for McMahon, who admitted: "An awful lot of effort and time is required to stay at the top level and, after 13 years, I can't see myself doing another year of it."
With McMahon and full-back Brian Lohan, who retired last month, both gone, Clare now have two huge holes to fill in their defence while their search for a new manager is ongoing.
Former county coach Mike MacNamara, ex-Tipperary manager Ken Hogan and former Limerick star Liam O'Donoghue thought to be in the running to replace Anthony Daly.
McMahon won two All-Irelands ('95 and '97) and three Munster championships ('95, '97 and '98) with Clare, a All-Ireland club winners' medal with St. Joseph's/Doora-Barefield in '99, and he also picked up three All-Star Awards in '95, '97 and '98.
