Kilkenny hurling legend Eddie Brennan has decided to hang up his hurl and retire from inter-county hurling, according to reports circulating last night.
RTE Sport are reporting that the 33-year old is set to bid farewell to the inter-county scene after enjoying a hugely successful career during a golden era for the Cats under Brian Cody.
Brennan’s status as a regular in the first XV had been coming under threat in recent seasons, but he rubbished any suggestions that he was finished with a tremendous performance in last year’s All-Ireland Final against Tipperary – the barnstorming run to set up Richie Hogan’s goal was a particular highlight.
Like most of his Kilkenny colleagues, the Ballycallan speedster picked up a quite ridiculous medal haul through the course of his inter-county career, amassing eight All-Ireland titles, ten Leinster titles, four National League titles and four All-Star awards.
At his peak he was one of the most dangerous forwards in the land and had a predator’s eye for goal that came to fruition on numerous big days in Croke Park.
The fully functioning production line coming out of Kilkenny will ensure that a replacement for Brennan in the black and amber will be quickly found, but whoever does fill his boots will do well to replicate the impact he has had for the Cats since making his Championship debut in 2000.
Brennan is the second member of the Kilkenny panel to call it a day before the 2012 season following the surprising retirement of James ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick at the age of 26 late last year.
