Emotional Patrick Horgan Statement Sums Up Love For Cork After Retirement

Cork legend Patrick Horgan has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling, bringing to an end a storied 18-year career with the Leesiders.

The Glen rovers clubman will end his time in red as a four-time Munster champion, a National League winner, and the all-time top scorer in the hurling championship.

At 37-years old, this is not necessarily an unexpected move. Horgan has been immense in this year's championship and it was widely suggested that he could step away from the panel should he finally get his hands on an illusive All-Ireland medal back in July.

While Cork would fall short in the final against Tipperary, he has decided that now is the right time to step aside.

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Patrick Horgan will move on with nothing but well wishes from Cork supporters, having established himself as one of the most believed players in the county over the last two decades.

He would release an emotional statement on social media to announced his retirement, thanking all those who helped him down through the years before summing up what it had meant to represent his county for so long.

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A post shared by Patrick Horgan (@hoggie088)

After careful consideration having focused on playing for my club Glen Rovers in recent weeks, I have made the decision to step back from intercounty hurling.

Firstly, I would like to thank my family for their love, support and encouragement over the years - my wife Ashley and son Jack, my father Pat, my mother Ann, sisters AnnMarie and Audrey, my brother Johnny, my nephews, niece and my in-laws. Without you all I wouldn't be where I am today.

A huge thank you to my friends and teammates past and present who have always had my back, and to my club Glen Rovers who have backed and supported me throughout the years.

Thank you to my employer Dulux Paints Ireland, who have always been understanding and supportive of my hurling career. Thank you to Blackwater Motors also for their incredible support and generosity over the years.

I would also like to thank Jimmy Barry-Murphy, Kieran Kingston, John Meyler and Pat Ryan in particular, as well as all the men and lifelong friends I played with in the red and white. I wish them and the new manager Ben O'Connor the very best in the coming season.

I have worn the red jersey for eighteen years and it has been the privilege of my life to represent the people of Cork during that time. I will always be grateful for the support the Cork people have given our team in good times and bad. They are truly the greatest supporters in Ireland.

Up the Rebels.

Cork look set to enter a new era next season, with a new manager in Ben O'Connor to go along with Patrick Horgan's retirement.

While it remains to be seen how successful the new setup will be under new leadership, there is no doubt that they now have a massive hole to fill in he dressing room moving forward.