Clare defender Paul Flanagan has retired from inter-county hurling, describing his 11 year inter-county career as the 'honour of his life.'
The Ballyea man was first added to the Clare panel by Davy Fitzgerald in 2013, in time for that year's memorable All-Ireland triumph against Cork.
Flanagan was a sub on the team but he was a key man for the under-21s in the same year, captaining the Banner to All-Ireland glory against Antrim that September.
He made his debut for the Clare senior team in 2014 but after a bad run with injuries, only made his first championship start in 2020.
By 2022, he was a key man and an All-Star nominee but his place on the team was taken by Conor Leen as Clare won another All-Ireland this year.
The 32-year-old retired with a short and sweet statement, posted on the Clare GAA social media channels.
"It has been the honour of my life. Thank you for the support and opportunity along the way," he said.
Clare GAA said: "We wish Paul all the best in his retirement. He has been a fantastic player, leader, ambassador, and team-mate throughout his 11-year senior career in saffron and blue.
"Anyone who has shared a dressing room with Paul will attest that he has embodied all a Clare supporter could wish for in a hurler. We thank him sincerely for his dedication and commitment in addition to the wonderful days of hurling he has delivered.
"All in Clare GAA congratulate Paul as one of our most decorated players in terms of silverware and wish him continued success with his club Ballyea and in all aspects of his future."
Flanagan has also been a key man in the rise of his club Ballyea, winning four county titles and one Munster during his career to date.
