KILKENNY’S LAST ALL-IRELAND winning captain, Joey Holden, has called time on his inter-county hurling career.
The Ballyhale Shamrocks man, 31, wrote on Twitter tonight: “A great week celebrating with my club. But time now to bring an end to my time with Kilkenny.
“Many great memories especially the honour to represent Ballyhale and Kilkenny in lifting the Liam McCarthy. Thanks to all who have helped along the way, now onto the next chapter.”
The defender’s retirement comes days after that of his clubmate, Colin Fennelly, who confirmed his Cats departure following Ballyhale’s fourth consecutive county title lift on Sunday.
Holden departs with back-to-back All-Ireland medals from 2014 and 2015, the latter as captain.
A great week celebrating with my club ☘️☘️ But time now to bring an end to my time with Kilkenny. Many great memories especially the honour to represent Ballyhale and Kilkenny in lifting the Liam McCarthy. Thanks to all who have helped along the way, now onto the next chapter pic.twitter.com/DI4O2YCwtw
— Joey Holden (@joeyholden02) November 11, 2021
He also has an All-Star from that year – at full-back, having succeeded JJ Delaney in the role – five Leinster titles and two Allianz League honours to his name.
Holden is now aiming for a fifth All-Ireland crown with Ballyhale, having triumphed in 2010, ‘15, ‘19 and ‘20.
They face Mount Leinster Rangers in the provincial championship later this month, having seen off O’Loughlin Gaels in the Kilkenny decider at Nowlan Park last weekend.
Bernard Jackman, Niamh Briggs, and Ciarán Kennedy join Murray Kinsella to discuss Ireland v All Blacks and the latest big story in Irish women’s rugby:
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You don’t lambast your Goalkeeper an National TV 10 minutes after a game finishes. You do the analysis with the squad in a private room and chat with him then. The guy was injured and made 3 or 4 great saves to keep it at 1-0. This coach seems a bit of a lose cannon.