Versatile Offaly star Joe Eritty has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling. The 34-year-old, who will continue to line out for Birr, made his decision earlier this week after Offaly manager Mike McNamara phoned him to enquire about his intentions for the coming year. "The training is getting harder and harder every year and there's a new crop of lads coming through who deserve a go," he said. Eritty, who will now be able to devote more time to his family and business, added: "I'm going to miss it and the craic that goes on. I went to the game on Sunday (versus Tipperary) and I enjoyed the pressure with nobody shooting abuse! And once the club gets back, it will keep me occupied." During a glittering career, Errity won All-Ireland minor medals in 1986 and '87 and All-Ireland senior medals in '94 and '98. With Birr, he won eight county titles, six Leinster medals and four All-Irelands. He also won an All-Ireland Colleges medal with St. Brendan's in 1986, an Oirechtas Cup medal in '95 and a Railway Cup memento with Leinster in 1998. As well as continuing to play with Birr, he has agreed to take charge of the club's minor team after Declan Pilkington took up a role with the Offaly under 21s. Tweet

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