James Ryall has followed his Kilkenny team-mate Derek Lyng into inter-county retirement.

Lyng became the first member of the Cats' four-in-a-row team to announce his retirement a few weeks ago and now Ryall has decided to call time on a glittering career, during which he collected six All-Ireland medals, seven Leinster and four National League titles.

"I'd a great time with Kilkenny," the 30-year-old defender said.

"It was an honour to play for my county and to finish with six All-Ireland medals is something special. You'd have to be happy with that."

The Graigue-Ballycallan clubman, who hadn't been a regular starter in recent seasons, revealed how he had played through the pain barrier ever since he was diagnosed with chronic compartment syndrome in his legs four years ago.

"The last few years I hadn't been making the team and I was finding it more and more difficult to get in," he said.

"I'd had a few injuries but that was no excuse. When I told Brian (Cody) about my decision I had to be honest not just for the team but for myself as well. At the end of it, Brian shook my hand and that was it. We left on the best terms possible. It's the right decision. I've had a lot of great years with Kilkenny and the memories will stay with me forever."

A nephew of the late Tom Ryall, who served as Kilkenny PRO for many years, Ryall regards the 2006 All-Ireland final over Cork, which was the start of the four-in-a-row, as his career highlight.

"It was the memory that stands out because we were underdogs going into the game and when you're not fancied it gives you the greatest satisfaction when you win it," he said. "To have played in that final was a real highlight," he added. Tweet

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