CLARE defender Paul Flanagan has announced his retirement from intercounty hurling.
In a statement on social media issued through Clare County Board, the Ballyea man said, “It has been the honour of my life. Thank you for the opportunity and support along the way.”
Flanagan leaves the intercounty game having won two senior All Irelands, two National Hurling Leagues, two All Ireland under 21 championships, two Munster under 21 championships and a Munster minor title. He served as captain of under 21 All Ireland and Munster minor championship-winning sides.
In a statement this morning Clare GAA said, “We wish Paul all the best in his retirement. He has been a fantastic player, leader, ambassador and teammate throughout his elven year senior career in saffron and blue. Anyone who has shared a dressing room with Paul will attest that he has embodied all a Clare supporter could wish for in a hurler. We thank him sincerely for his dedication and commitment in addition to the wonderful displays of hurling he has delivered.
“All in Clare GAA congratulate Paul as one of our most decorated players in terms of silverware and wish him continued success with his club Ballyea and in all aspects of his future.”
As well as his success as a player, Flanagan has become known as an analyst on TG4. He also works as a teacher and has his own business Paul Flanagan Performance, in which he works as a mental performance coach.
Now 32 years of age, he has also enjoyed huge success with Ballyea, winning four county championships and a Munster club title.
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.