Clare All-Ireland winner Colm Galvin has announced his inter-county retirement at the age of 28.
Galvin's decision comes on the eve of the Allianz Hurling League campaign and is a result of a catalogue of injury problems, including an ongoing groin problem.
The Clonara man won an AllStar in 2013, having played a vital role in the Banner's All-Ireland triumph under Davy Fitzgerald.
Midfielder Galvin came through the ranks by winning minor provincial titles with Clare in 2010 and '11, then won three Munster and All-Ireland finals in 2012, '13 and '14.
Aside from the senior All-Ireland triumph, he also won a Division 1 title with the county six years ago.
"It's a scenario that I never thought or hoped would ever happen but unfortunately following a succession of injuries and repeated setbacks, I've had to make the difficult decision to retire from inter-county hurling," said Galvin.
"A decade on from making my senior championship debut against Dublin in Cusack Park, I'd love to have continued on playing for Clare but after ongoing conversations with Brian (Lohan), realistically my body just isn't able for the workload required at the highest level any longer.
"Central to this is a persistent groin injury that has never healed properly which has proven extremely frustrating as well as mentally draining.
"It is not easy to step away from the panel, many of which I have hurled alongside since our formative years in a Clare jersey but I sincerely wish the lads and management all the very best for 2022 and beyond.
"My focus now is to try and get rehabilitated for my club Clonlara who, along with my parents Kevin and Geraldine, my fiancé Orlaith, siblings Ciara and Ian, friends and extended family, have been so supportive to me throughout my inter-county career.
"I have been blessed to have played with so many great players and equally fortunate to have been coached and managed by people who have given of their all for the county.
"As a result, I've been able to fulfil my lifelong dreams of playing at all levels for Clare and made some truly unforgettable memories along the way.
"Knowing the commitment and talent that we have, hopefully there's much more to come from Brian and the lads in the near future.
"It’s up to Ian to carry the torch for the family now. No pressure."
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