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Walking Away

Two Kilkenny hurlers and one from Tipp retire with 17 All-Ireland senior medals between them

Brian Hogan, Aidan Fogarty and John O’Brien have all retired this morning.

Brian Hogan and John O'Brien Brian Hogan and John O'Brien pictured after last May's hurling league final. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

KILKENNY HURLERS BRIAN Hogan and Aidan Fogarty, along with Tipperary’s John O’Brien have all announced their intercounty retirements this morning.

O’Loughlin Gaels player Hogan won seven All-Ireland senior medals during his career while Emeralds player Fogarty claimed eight with the Cats. Toomevara native O’Brien won two All-Ireland senior medals with Tipperary during his inter-county career.

Hogan made his announcement on the Kilkenny GAA website, O’Brien’s decision was confirmed on the Tipperary GAA website while Fogarty’s retirement was revealed on KCLR 96FM.

The departures of Hogan and Fogarty represent a further changing of the guard in Kilkenny as they come on the back of the recent retirements of Tommy Walsh and David Herity. Neither player featured in September’s All-Ireland final replay win over Tipperary but Hogan had started the drawn game while Fogarty came on as a sub. O’Brien was introduced for Tipperary during both games against Kilkenny.

Aidan Fogarty and Brian Hogan celebrate after the game Aidan Fogarty and Brian Hogan after the 2012 All-Ireland final replay win. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

The trio retire with a huge amount of honours as they compiled 17 All-Ireland senior medals between them and 22 provincial senior medals. Hogan was also an Allstar winner in 2011 and 2012.

Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

 

Here’s what they had to say in their official retirement statements:

Brian Hogan

“It is with great sadness that I wish to announce my retirement from intercounty hurling.
The past decade in the black and amber jersey, have been some of the greatest times of my life. I have had the opportunity to play both with, and against, some of the finest players ever to play the game. I leave with the greatest of memories of the best of friendships.

“I feel extremely privileged to have been involved in one of the most successful periods in Kilkenny hurling; and as I leave, what I’ll take most ‐ is the memory of the time spent with the lads, who I was lucky enough to call my teammates and friends.

Brian Hogan and Eoin Larkin celebrate after the game Brian Hogan celebrates the 2012 All-Ireland final win with Eoin Larkin. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

“I’d like to thank my club, O’Loughlin Gaels for their constant support and contribution to my development as a player. In particular, I’d like to thank them for giving me the honour of captaining the Kilkenny team in 2011.

Brian Hogan lifts the Liam McCarthy cup Brian Hogan lifts the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 2011. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

“It was an incredible honour to lead such an amazing group of players, and I did so as a proud O’Loughlins man. I look forward to returning to St. Johns Park to finish my hurling career where it all began.

Brian Hogan and Shane Dollard Brian Hogan in action for O'Loughlin Gaels Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO / INPHO

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Brian Cody and his management teams, for seeing potential in me, and for giving me the opportunity to fulfil my childhood dreams and aspirations.

“In addition, I’d like to thank the Kilkenny county board, Kilkenny supporters and sponsors Glanbia for all their support over the years. I’d also like to thank my coaches throughout my school days; in St John’s, St Kieran’s and finally in UCD, who all contributed to my development as a player.

Brian hogan 13/11/2005 Brian Hogan in action for UCD in 2005. Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO / INPHO

“To my employers Gruenthal Pharma, I’d like to thank them sincerely for their constant support. I’d also like to thank them for their understanding and flexibility, in facilitating my inter-county commitments.

“Finally, I’d like to say a special word of thanks to my family, who instilled in me, a love for the game of hurling from an early age, and for their continued support and encouragement.

“In particular I’d like to thank my wife Elaine, who has been with me since the beginning of this inter-county journey, and who has been a constant source of support and advice throughout those years.

“I’d like to wish Brian, the management team and the Kilkenny panel the very best luck in the coming season.

“Go raibh maith agaibh, Brian Hogan”

Manager Brian Cody with Jackie Tyrrell and Brian Hogan Brian Hogan at a 2008 Leinster final press event with Jackie Tyrrell and Brian Cody. Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Aidan Fogarty

“After eleven years I am withdrawing from the Kilkenny senior hurling panel. I make this decision totally comfortable in the knowledge that now is the right time for me to move on. Playing hurling for Kilkenny at the highest level has been exciting, enjoyable, rewarding and, at times, challenging.

Eddie Brennan and Aidan Fogarty Eddie Brennan and Aidan Fogarty after the 2008 All-Ireland final win. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

“I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the people who have supported, encouraged or who have just been there for me during this chapter of my life. I wish to thank Brian Cody and the various management teams for giving me the opportunity to be part of such a successful panel for so long.

“The Kilkenny county board deserve huge credit for how they look after their players. I am grateful to my club Emeralds and the many coaches who have helped me develop my skills and achieve my potential.

“My employer, C.B.E. have facilitated me in every way possible. In a special way I thank my girlfriend, Ailish, my father, my family and mentor for their patience and support. I remember my late uncle, Pa Dillon for his pride and confidence in me. I wish the Kilkenny team and management every success in the years ahead.”

Aidan Fogarty lifts the Liam MacCarthy Cup in September James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

John O’Brien

“I wish to announce my retirement from the Tipperary hurling team. It has been an honour to have represented my county at senior level since my debut in 2001.

John O'Brien with Lar Corbett after the 2011 Munster final James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and made it possible for me to play, most importantly my family and friends, my club Toomevara, the management and backroom teams throughout those years which are too many to mention and also the Tipperary public.

“I have made many great friends over those years and I would like to wish the current panel and management team the very best of luck.”

John O'Brien celebrates a 2008 Munster final goal Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

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