Former Kilkenny All-Ireland winning captain Joey Holden became the second Ballyhale Shamrocks player this week to announce his retirement from intercounty hurling.
After club captain Colin Fennelly confirmed his decision to call it a day with the county after Sunday’s four-in-a-row victory in the Kilkenny final, Holden followed suit on Twitter on Thursday evening.
“A great week celebrating with my club but time now to bring an end to my time with Kilkenny. Many great memories especially the honour to represent Ballyhale and Kilkenny in lifting the Liam MacCarthy. Thanks to all who have helped along the way, now onto the next chapter.”
Holden, who only turned 31 last July, won two All-Ireland medals with Kilkenny as a versatile defender, playing at wing back in 2014 and a year later, replacing the legendary JJ Delaney at full back - in which position he won a 2015 All Star, ending the season as captain of the All-Ireland winners. He also won five Leinster titles and two national leagues.
With the club he has amassed four All-Ireland titles in 2010, ‘15, ‘19 and ‘20 and after the weekend is on course to contest a fifth as Ballyhale begin their Leinster campaign at the end of the month against Mount Leinster Rangers.
