Peter Kelly announces retirement from intercounty hurling

Peter Kelly has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling with Dublin.

An All Star in 2013 the Lucan Sarsfields man was a tower of strength and elegance in the Dublin defence as they captured the Bob O’Keeffe Cup (first time since 1961) two years after the Dubs had also ended their NHL1 famine (first time since 1939).

Injury cut short his involvement in recent seasons but he will continue to hurl with Lucan and only on Saturday helped Sarsfields defeat Ballinteer St John’s in the Dublin SHC ‘A’ Group 4 encounter in O’Toole Park.

"I would like to announce I am stepping away from the Dublin hurling team," Kelly said on Twitter.

"I have loved every minute of wearing the Dublin jersey. It’s been a great honour to wear the blue jersey for so many years and play alongside a great bunch of lads.

"For the longevity of my club career, this is the right choice for me.

"I also want to thank Pat for the opportunity this year, and wish the team the best of luck for the year ahead."

The respect of his peers is obvious from the reaction on Twitter with Dublin and Ballyboden St Enda’s Shane Durkin tweeting.

“You couldn’t say enough about the road this man has taken to try get back on the pitch.

“The best no3 Dublin have ever seen & for a few yrs the country had seen. Warrior on the pitch and an even better friend off it.”