Kilkenny forward Eoin Larkin has announced his inter-county retirement.

In a glittering senior career spanning 12 years, the army man won eight All-Ireland medals (he was captain in 2012) as well as the Hurler of the Year award in 2008. He also amassed 10 Leinster SHC medals, six Allianz Hurling League medals and two All Stars.

In addition, he won All-Ireland U21 medals with the Cats in 2002 and 2004, and helped James Stephens to All-Ireland club honours in 2005. His retirement comes less than a month after that of his equally-decorated clubmate Jackie Tyrrell.

"After due consideration I have decided that now is the right time for me to announce my inter-county retirement," Larkin said in a statement this morning.

"I have enjoyed 12 of the best years of my life with success I could only have dreamed of. 

"It was always my dream from a young age to play, captain and win an All-Ireland with Kilkenny and I'm proud and happy to say I lived my dream.  I am content to walk away now knowing I gave everything I could for myself, but also the team every time I walked out on the training pitch or pulled on a Kilkenny jersey and left no stone unturned in the pursuit of perfection, although I never got close. 

"I've played with and against some of the best players of all time and had the privilege of working with the best manager of all time for those years."

Kilkenny's Eoin Larkin lifts the Liam McCarthy Cup as captain in 2012.
©INPHO/James Crombie.

He added: "Doing what I loved doing for 12 years didn't seem like a sacrifice, but although they never said anything I know for a fact my family sacrificed a massive amount for me to fulfil my dream.

"I will never be able to thank my mother enough for the unwavering support in every way possible and my father for his support and the opportunity he gave me from a young age to do what I loved.

"He brought me to trainings and matches and never hesitated when I asked "could we go for a few pucks". It was this that allowed me to practice and become the hurler I am today.

"I can never thank my wife Anne enough for the last 12 years of support, advice and often a little pick me up when things weren't going so well. I also want to thank my children Mark, Holly, and Ellie for their support and understanding for what I loved doing. It is certainly payback time now."

Larkin also praised Brian Cody for giving him the chance to wear the black and amber: "I want to thank Brian for the opportunity of playing for Kilkenny and will be forever grateful. I also want to thank all the selectors, backroom staff and medical teams that I've worked with. It was often a tough task to keep me fit but they were always more than up for the challenge.

"I will continue to play for my beloved James Stephens for as long as I can and will go in search of further dreams. Lastly, I want to wish Brian and the rest of the lads the very best in 2017.I will certainly be roaring on the black and amber."

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