Dublin hurler Niall Corcoran has announced his inter-county retirement.

An All-Ireland minor winner with Galway in 2000, the defender transferred to the capital in 2008 after taking up a coaching role with Kilmacud Crokes. He was part of the groundbreaking Dublin team that garnered Allianz League and Leinster SHC honours in 2011 and 2013 respectively.

His retirement comes after he was omitted from a 38-man provisional panel announced by Dublin manager Ger Cunningham earlier this week.

In a statement issued via the Dublin GAA website, Corcoran said: "I wish to announce my retirement from Inter-county Hurling. It has been a great honour to represent Dublin at Senior level since making my debut in 2008.

"As a child my one ambition in life was to play hurling at the highest level and I am grateful to Dublin for giving me that opportunity. Throughout my career I have had the privilege of playing against and with some truly outstanding players, many of whom will remain friends for life.

"I would like to thank my family and friends who have been a constant support to me during the good days and bad. To Dublin County Board for their unwavering support both on and off the pitch, no stone was left unturned in our pursuit of excellence. Thanks also to the GPA for their help in the development of my professional career.

"From growing up in a small rural hurling hearth land, to moving to a vibrant suburban GAA stronghold, it was with great pride that I represented both the people of Kilmacud Crokes and Meelick/Eyrecourt each time I wore the sky blue of Dublin. I sincerely thank both clubs for their support and loyalty over the years. I would like to acknowledge the many coaches and teachers who guided me through my hurling education as a child and instilled in me a love of what can only be described as the greatest game in the world.

"Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the various management and backroom teams that I have the pleasure of getting to know while representing Dublin, I thank you for believing in me.

"To finish, I wish Dublin well for the future. I firmly believe in this talented group of players achieving further success. I leave with many great friendships, a couple of medals and a life time of memories."

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