Jackie Tyrrell has confirmed that he never considered retiring in the wake of last year's All-Ireland SHC success.

The James Stephens clubman, who turns 33 in June, has amassed eight senior All-Irelands, six national leagues and four All Stars already and is enjoying his hurling as much as ever.

"No, not at all," he told The Kilkenny People when asked if he'd considered stepping away from the intercounty arena on a high after the replay win over Tipperary. "It wasn't really a decision for me. It's just a case of carrying on. I said the morning after the All-Ireland there was no way I was retiring.

"It hadn't entered my head and it didn't enter my head with any of the lads going. If another one, two or three had gone, that would have been it, just move on.

"I am thoroughly enjoying my hurling. I'm injury-free. I feel I have a lot more to contribute to Kilkenny. Why would I retire?

"I just love it. What's not to love? If you were getting injuries and weren't enjoying it, then you would probably start to think about things. No, I mind myself extremely well. I am very focussed. I know what I wanted out of my career. I'm not finished."

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