Long-serving Tipperary stalwart John O'Brien has brought the curtain down on his inter-county career.

The Toomevara clubman joined the Premier County senior squad in 2001 and his medal collection includes two All-Ireland and five Munster senior medals.

O'Brien - who was introduced as a substitute in both the drawn and replayed All-Ireland final this year - informed the Tipperary GAA website (tipperary.gaa.ie): "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.

"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."

Tipperary County Board paid tribute to the retiring O'Brien in a statement: "Tipperary County Board would like to thank John O'Brien for his great contribution to Tipperary hurling over a long number of years having represented the county at minor, under 21 and senior levels and won 2 All Ireland senior hurling medals as well as 5 Munster senior hurling medals.

"We wish him the very best for the future."

John O'Brien has been some servant to @TipperaryGAA. Class forward and great leader in our dressing room.Owes his county nothing.#gentleman

- Brendan Cummins (@BrenCummins1) November 26, 2014

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