GAA:Waterford will have to contend without John Mullane this year after the 31-year-old announced his retirement from intercounty hurling. Mullane's decision, while not entirely unexpected, will leave a major hole in the county's forward line in the coming season.
Waterford coach Michael Ryan has already lost Eoin Kelly and Eoin McGrath to retirement and will now have to plan without the five-time All-Star Mullane. Mullane, who had hurled with the Deise for 13 years picking up four Munster titles, will continue to line out for his club, De La Salle.
“After months of deliberation I feel the time is right to bring the curtain down on my inter-county career,” Mullane said in a statement released this evening. “The sense of genuine pride I got from wearing the Waterford jersey and representing the county I love will live with me forever.
“Throughout those 13 years I was fortunate enough to play with some great players. I would like to thank all the players sincerely for their support and more importantly their friendship.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to extend a big thank you to my coaches, managers, medical and backroom team and all of the friends I have made throughout my career on and off the field. Gerald McCarthy, Justin McCarthy, Davy Fitzgerald and Michael Ryan all contributed greatly to my career and I benefitted immensely from all of them.
“My relationship with the Waterford supporters has always been a very special one and I sincerely thank them for their support in both good and bad times. I would like to pay tribute to my club De La Salle for providing me with the necessary solid foundations and guidance to allow me to compete at the highest level and I look forward to the new challenges that lie ahead.”