Richie Power revealed JJ Delaney's decision to hang up the hurl at inter-county level came as a 'shock to the system'.

The Cats have lost five players to retirement since their All-Ireland replay success over Tipperary and Power, in an interview with The Irish Independent, said: "They were all a surprise.

"We won the All-Ireland and the days and weeks after we were discussing it and saying that there's not really a need for anyone to leave.

"JJ came as a shock, it was just a shock to the system. He made a personal decision. He's happy with that. I spoke to him since. What can you say about him, what can you say about any of the guys that are after doing it?

"They are going to be a massive, massive loss out of the dressing-room, the experience that they have. It's going to be a big challenge."

The Carrickshock ace continued: "JJ was always a better wing-back in my eyes and personally I think that's where he preferred to play, but he was so talented that he could play anywhere.

"I think the most disappointed will be the likes of goalkeeper Eoin Murphy that JJ is leaving.

"But I think we have loads of guys for there. You have the likes of Michael Walsh from Gowran, Kieran Joyce can play full-back."

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