Kennedy calls timeon stellar Tipp career

By Shane Brophy

The first domino has fallen in how the Tipperary senior hurling squad will look next season after Seamus Kennedy announced his retirement from the inter-county game.

The St. Mary’s & Clonmel Commercials clubman began his inter-county career with the senior footballers with whom he played four championship games with in 2015 before being drafted into the senior hurling panel by Michael Ryan a year later, winning an All-Ireland senior hurling medal in his first year at wing back, adding a second three years later before claiming a third in 2025.

Kennedy made 38 hurling championship appearances in eleven seasons, debuting against Cork in 2016 with his final game in the Munster Championship against Limerick last May.

“After eleven years playing with Tipperary, I have decided the time is right for me to retire from intercounty hurling,” Kennedy began.

“Wearing the blue & gold jersey was a dream come true and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to do so. We’re lucky to have incredible people in Tipperary and I feel very privileged to have played and worked alongside so many top-class players, managements and backroom teams.

“I want to thank my teammates sincerely; I have made lifelong friendships with so many of them.

“I am also very thankful to the managers and backroom teams who gave me so much support and guidance.

“The County Board, the Supporters Club, our team sponsors and the GPA have always been very supportive and I want to thank all of them.

“Thanks also to the Tipperary supporters, they’ve always been so good to me and I was always so proud to represent them.”

Seamus Kennedy has been playing with Tipperary since underage, winning a Munster and All-Ireland minor football medal in 2011. He was also a dual under 21 from 2012-2014, captaining the footballers in 2013.

At club level has captained St Mary’s and Clonmel Commercials to county glory in recent years, and on Sunday helped St Mary’s to progress to the next round of the Munster Club Intermediate Hurling Championship.

“To St Mary’s Clonmel and Clonmel Commercials, I’m very lucky to come from where I do and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone in our clubs,” he added.

“You have always been so supportive of me representing Tipperary and I look forward to the years ahead in what is an exciting time to be involved on the Western Road. I also want to acknowledge and thank Gaelscoil Chluain Meala, Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn and especially Thurles CBS who played a huge role in my education and sporting career.

“My parents, Terence & Frances, you sacrificed so much to let me chase my dream and I’ll be forever indebted to you, thank you so much. My sister Méabh, and my brother Seán have also been an incredible support for me. It was great to be able to share our All-Ireland winning days together but I especially thank them for being there through the tough days.

“My extended family and friends have also been very loyal supporters over the years and I want to say thanks to all of them. I also want to thank Declan Maher and Fairstone, they have been a fantastic support to me the last number of years while playing for Tipperary.

“I am very lucky to have had such constant support from my wife, Orlaith. She has made many sacrifices to enable me to give my full commitment to Tipperary. I want to thank her so much and sharing the good days with her made them all the more special.

“Finally, I wish the Tipperary management and players all the very best for 2027 and beyond. I have no doubt that the players and management will do everything in their power to bring more success to the county in the years ahead and I look forward to being one of the Tipperary supporters cheering them on.”

Tipperary GAA thanked Séamus Kennedy for his “outstanding commitment and dedication to the blue and gold jersey throughout his inter county career.

“Séamus has proudly represented Tipperary at Minor, Under 21 and Senior level in both hurling and football making a significant contribution across both codes.

“He has been an integral part of many memorable days for Tipperary GAA and has left a lasting impression through his dedication and service to the county.”