There's been terrible news from Limerick hurling this morning as Shane Dowling has retired from hurling age 27.
I can’t believe I have to do this, but I have some memories! 💚💚 pic.twitter.com/cXfqUNY2ru
— Shane Dowling (@dowlerznap) July 2, 2020
Dowling was a stalwart of Limerick in its fallow years in the early 2010s and then became a sort of inspirational super sub in their run for Liam MacCarthy in 2018.
He retires as Limerick's all time leading scorer but he has been dogged by degenerative knee and cartilage issues in recent years.
Dowling won one All-Star as well as a club All-Ireland with Na Piarsaigh in 2016. Dowling retires with so many fistpumps and goals to be remembered by, but nothing will top his penalty in the first half of injury time in that famous semifinal against Cork. The cajones.
Goal for Limerick! Shane Dowling wins and converts this penalty! pic.twitter.com/0QarOXJ1sZ
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 29, 2018
Limerick GAA released their own statement this morning, praising Dowling's incredible career.
Limerick GAA would like to pay tribute to Shane Dowling on the announcement of his inter county retirement at the age of 27.
Shane has represented his Club, School and County with distinction throughout his career and it is unfortunate that due to his ongoing knee injury he is forced to retire so early.
In terms of playing there isn’t much that Shane hasn’t achieved.
With his club Na Piarsaigh Shane has won every honour, notably Five County Senior Hurling Championship Winners medals, Four Munster Club Senior Hurling Championship winners medals and one All Ireland Club Senior Hurling Championship winners medal.
With his School Ard Scoil Ris he won Two Harty Cup winners medals one as joint captain and a Dean Ryan Cup.
As an Intercounty Hurler Shane has represented Limerick at all grades throughout his exemplary career.
Shane won a Munster U21 Hurling Championship Winners Medal in 2011 at the age of 18.
He joined the County Senior Hurling Panel in 2012 and was a key member of the team that won a Munster Senior Hurling Championship in 2013. After a fantastic season in 2014 he was rewarded with an All-Star.
Every Limerick person will remember his outstanding performances during the 2018 season in particular the All Ireland Senior Hurling Semi Final against Cork and the Final win against Galway.
In 2019 he added another Munster Senior Hurling Championship winners medal to accompany an Allianz Division 1 Hurling League winners medal.
He represented Munster on many occasions winning the Inter Provincial Championship in 2013.
Limerick GAA Chairman John Cregan said
“Shane has been a fantastic servant to Limerick GAA and has been a role model that a lot of our younger people in Limerick aspire to be, we wish him well in his early retirement and thank him for all the wonderful memories he has given to so many Limerick fans down through the years”
All in Limerick GAA would like to wish Shane the very best in the future and thank him for his excellent contribution to Limerick Hurling.
