LIMERICK ALL-IRELAND WINNER Paul Browne has called time on his inter-county career after 11 years.
Browne announced the news with a statement on the Limerick GAA website last night, noting that “the time is right” to step away.
The Bruff midfielder was part of John Kiely’s Treaty squad that ended a 45-year wait for Liam MacCarthy glory in 2018 — though he missed out on action through injury.
Vice-captain in their All-Ireland winning season, a devastating cruciate injury ruled him out for much of the season.
30-year-old Browne made his championship debut in 2009, and departs the Limerick set-up with two Munster medals (2013 and 2019), Division 1 title — also from the season gone by — and a Division 2 honour from 2011.
Browne’s statement, in full, reads:
“I have decided that the time is right for me to step away form the Limerick Senior Hurling Panel after eleven seasons involved.
“I would like to thank my club Bruff Gaa, fellow club colleagues, coaches and mentors for their support. I hope to repay that support over the coming years. To the teachers and staff in Scoil Dean Cussen and FCJ Bruff I am extremely grateful for their encouragement in my younger years.
Thanks for the memories Brownie
— Limerick GAA (@LimerickCLG) November 21, 2019
https://t.co/od8FDjtXmL pic.twitter.com/nP3UcLngs9
“I would like to thank my employers LIT who have been very accommodating since I commenced my employment there.
“Over the course of my playing career I went through several surgical procedures and I would like to thank the Limerick County Board and Senior Medical Team of Mark Van Drumpt, Mark Melbourne and Dr James Ryan for the care I received.
I leave with nothing but wonderful memories and pride from my eleven years playing with Limerick. To have shared the dressing room with all my past team-mates and this incredible panel of players now has been the greatest honour of my life.
“I look forward to supporting the 2020 Panel and Management and I would urge all Limerick supporters to do so,” Browne added. “There are fantastic times ahead.
Best of luck in retirement to Limerick stalwart midfielder Paul Browne.
— GPA (@gaelicplayers) November 21, 2019
A Munster Champion in 2013, and 2019. He vice captained the Limerick team in 2018, when ending the Treaty county’s 45 year wait for Liam McCarthy.
Best wishes Paul. pic.twitter.com/f4vx6AhtYw
“I would like to thank my family and in particular my girlfriend Niamh for their unwavering support and sacrifice during my career.”
Limerick GAA noted: “We wish Paul all the best after 11 years of service with Limerick GAA. Thanks for the memories Brownie.”
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Two incredible tennis players, full marks to both.
Thought it was a brilliant sporting occasion, two heavyweights toe to toe giving their all, gracious and sporting afterwards one in victory the other in defeat … True corinthian spirit of sport!
Brilliant match, every point fought for
Fantastic stuff. Well done to Novac!! Federer is an unbelievable sportsman. Mr Murray would want to look and learn how he conducts himself on the court when when winning or loosing.
Incredible match and kudos to both men. After his 4th set collapse Djokovic could have wilted but instead showed his indomitable spirit. 7 grand slam wins now and if he didn’t play in the Federer/Nadal era it would be twice that amount. Will be an all time great, along with the aforementioned pair by the time his career ends.
Was hoping Roger could make it number 18 in slams and a record 8th mens title but not to be. He might not get too many more chances but he is such an incredible athlete you wouldnt bet against it. We are in not just a golden era of mens tennis, but a golden era of sporting excellence with Nadal, Federer and Djokovic all battling it out. And they are all such classy individuals on and off the court.
Ah gwan roger ya legend!!ya magician ya!its relaxing just to watch how pure and fluid he is win he is on the tennis court.Getting abit older but still plugging away when he us supposed to be in decline,pluggin away like a true champion!well done to novak,tough test that would give him unbelievable confidence!