Kilkenny forward Eddie Brennan has called time on his glittering inter-county career.

The 33-year-old Graigue-Ballycallan clubman and his Kilkenny team-mates Henry Shefflin, Noel Hickey and Michael Kavanagh made history last September when they joined Christy Ring and John Doyle as the only hurlers to win eight All-Ireland senior medals. His decision to retire - which he relayed to Cats boss Brian Cody on Wednesday - means he won't bid to win a record ninth Celtic Cross in the coming year.

Brennan's Kilkenny career appeared to have run aground before he came back to play a starting role in last September's All-Ireland final victory over Tipperary, setting up Richie Hogan for their second goal after a lung-bursting solo run.

One of the most prolific goal-scorers of his generation, 'Fast Eddie' made his senior debut for the Cats in 2000 after collecting an All-Ireland U21 medal in 1999. As well as going on to win eight All-Ireland senior medals, he won 11 Leinster championships, four National League and four All Star awards. He also won two Kilkenny SHC medals with Graigue-Ballycallan and played in their 2001 All-Ireland club final defeat to Athenry.

Speaking after winning his eighth Celtic Cross last year, the Portlaoise-based garda said: "It's unbelievable. It won't really sink in until we sit down and think about it over the winter.

"Last year there would have been talk that we would have won it and it didn't work out that way so it makes it all the sweeter that you can come back. I think after losing last year it makes it all the better to come back this year and to get the victory.

"When you were doing the hard graft on your own you would have flashes in your mind of maybe getting back to the first Sunday in September and seeing Brian lifting the cup. That obviously was the driving factor to get back. I am delighted to get there and delighted to fulfil that dream."

Brennan will continue his club career with Graigue-Ballycallan. Tweet

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