All-Ireland winning Galway defender Aidan Harte has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.

The 33-year-old Gort clubman last lined out with the Tribesmen in the All-Ireland qualifiers defeat to Waterford in July and there had been speculation about his future in the maroon colours after a career which spanned 13 seasons.

He made his senior debut as a forward in 2010 against Limerick having been first called up to the squad by Ger Loughnane in 2007 when he won an All-Ireland U21 title.

Harte was wing-back on the Galway team that bridged a 29-year gap to claim the All-Ireland SHC crown in 2017, and altogether played in three Liam McCarthy Cup deciders.

The Tulla secondary school teacher also collected three Leinster SHC medals and a trio of National League titles.

In a statement released by Galway GAA this afternoon, Harte said it was an "honour and privilege" to wear the Galway jersey while he thanked his family, teammates, coaches and his club Gort.

"It has been an honour and privilege to represent Galway at Senior level for 13 seasons. This is something I never took for granted," expressed Harte.

"I would sincerely like to thank in particular my family Josie, Karen and Aileen, girlfriend Camilla, close friends, coaches, teammates, medical and backroom staff for all their support. I would also like to acknowledge the huge role my club Gort has played in my development as a hurler and a person.

"Being in a position to share the field with and against some of the greatest players to ever play the game along with getting the chance to showcase our sport worldwide has provided me with memories I will forever cherish and making many great friends during those times.

"With the ongoing time and commitment involved in inter-county I cannot thank the GPA enough. They provided me with numerous opportunities off the field in order to progress my career which has been aided considerably by my past and present employers through their understanding and cohesion in certain situations.

"The Galway supporters have always been phenomenal, making huge sacrifices to support us on our journey. Now I look forward to being once again, willing on the current management team and players to every success in 2022 and beyond."

Media Announcement: Aidan Harte retires from Intercounty hurling with Galway. pic.twitter.com/wawipiMJC0

— Galway GAA (@Galway_GAA) December 3, 2021

 

Tweet

Most Read Stories