#Kilkenny county hurler Tommy Walsh has announced his retirement from intercounty hurling on #KCLRBreakfast More in #News across morning

— KCLR 96FM (@kclr96fm) November 20, 2014

Walsh has nine All-Ireland medals with Kilkenny and nine All-Stars and had been involved in Kilkenny at senior level since 2002. He also enjoyed All-Ireland success at U21 level.

In his statement Walsh said: “I wish to announce my retirement from intercounty hurling. For the last 13 years I have had the time of my life, lived my dream and have memories that will stay with me forever.

I have been very fortunate and privileged to play alongside terrific teammates and I thank them for being just that. It was also an absolute honour to play against many outstanding hurlers from all over the country.”

Walsh thanked Kilkenny manager Brian Cody and his club in his statement and also expressed his gratitude to the GPA for their support.

“I would like to thank Brian Cody for his loyalty throughout all my years with Kilkenny and for believing in me My club Tullaroan has always been very special to me. I owe them for the amazing opportunity I got to play for Kilkenny.

I’d like to thank the GPA for their constant support of players all over the country. They provide many valuable services which deal with the welfare of their players. This I know is a huge comfort to all players and the GPA deserve huge credit for this.

Thank you to Tommy Walsh of @KilkennyCLG for his incredible service to inter-county hurling #Legend #9AllStarsInARow pic.twitter.com/4Ob3kRq85l

— GPA (@gaelicplayers) November 20, 2014

Last but not least I finally want to thank the supporters. From day one they showered me with support. I will never forget their continued encouragement, especially in my final year, simply thank you.

I wish the management and players continued success for the coming years.”

Tommy Walsh: winner of nine consecutive All-Star awards. Nine Leinster titles, nine All-Irelands, seven NHL titles. One of the best ever.

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) November 20, 2014

There aren't enough good things to say about Tommy Walsh who probably married skill & physicality better than any hurler has ever done

— Oisin Langan (@oisinlangan) November 20, 2014

Sad to see Tommy Walsh retire. He was the best hurler of the 2000s in my book. 9 All Stars in a row was unprecedented

— Seamus Donnelly (@seamusdonnelly) November 20, 2014

With thanks to sokilkenny.com for the statement.