It's the end of an era as Kilkenny legend DJ Carey announced that he was bringing the curtain down on a magnificent career, which has spanned 16 years at senior level. Carey retires from the game as one of the greatest hurlers ever to pick up a hurl. During his career he won five All-Ireland medals and nine All-Stars. The Young Irelands clubman had not played with Kilkenny since last year's All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Galway and there was speculation regarding his future. His form of late with his club has been exceptional, raising the speculation that he would return to the squad and Kilkenny manager Brian Cody revealed earlier in the week that he would be speaking to Carey. That conversation resulted in Carey deciding that he was not willing to give the commitment that the demands of inter-county hurling need in the modern game. "I just haven't the urge," said Carey. "I haven't been bursting to get out so that's a good indication that the time is right. I have to be fair to everyone, to Brian Cody, to the rest of my players and to myself." For the first time since 1989, Kilkenny will prepare for the All-Ireland campaign without the legend that is Denis Joseph Carey. Tweet

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