Limerick’s Stephen Lucey announces retirement

Limerick veteran Stephen Lucey has announced his inter-county retirement.

The Croom hurler represented the Shannonsiders at both codes, playing 67 Championship fixtures.

He was part of the Limerick hurling side which won back-to-back U-21 All-Ireland titles in 2000 and 2001, and also picked up an U-21 Munster football medal in 2000.

In a statement released by the GPA, the 35-year-old said: "The time has come to call it a day in the Limerick colours. I have represented Limerick since U16 and have been part of Limerick Senior Hurling and Football teams for 17 years, when I was brought onto the Senior Hurling panel by Eamon Cregan in 1999.

“ It was an honour and a privilege to have represented Limerick for so long and I was lucky enough to have played championship 67 times, over 30 times in each code.

“There are a number of people I would like to thank. Firstly I would like to thank all my teammates who I played with along the way. We had our ups and downs, but we have some great memories and have lifelong friendships.”

He then added: “Finally, there is a lot of great work being done in Limerick hurling and football at the moment, with some great players coming through. The future is bright, and I would like to wish all Limerick teams the very best.”