Fitzpatrick Retires

Kilkenny's James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.

The 26-year-old told RTÉ Sport: "2011 was a fantastic year for Kilkenny, but personally I wasn't rewarded for my efforts.

"It's been a wonderful eight years to be involved with Kilkenny hurling and I achieved every hurling goal and more.

"I'll continue to enjoy my club hurling with Ballyhale Shamrocks and I will take this opportunity to achieve new goals that I set out for myself."

Fitzpatrick captained the All-Ireland winning Kilkenny team in 2008 and retires as the holder of five All-Ireland medals, three National League titles, three All-Stars and a Young Hurler of the Year Award.

Seems a strange decision at such a young age!!!!!

Cody never forgives! Cha teaching in Dublin ... hmmm ....

Parouisa wrote:Cody never forgives! Cha teaching in Dublin ... hmmm ....

Cha certainly gives the impression that his relationship with Cody isnt that great!!!

To be retiring at 26 with 5 All Irelands is some achievement all the same.

No real loss to Kilkenny. Very much surplus to requirements

Sadly from the aspect of Fitzpatrick's physical attributes, Kilkenny appear to have gone for the more athletic type around the middle of the field.
Had he had enough patience, he may have re-invented himself as a half-forward, where a vacancy may occur in 2012.

The game has progressed beyond Cha. There was a touch of bitterness in his farewell comments but also an acknowledgement that he lacks the pace for the highest level. It's well known some of his off field behaviour when he was younger upset Cody and Cody is an unforgiving fook.
Still only 26, he's probably made the right call here. More to life than hurling

Absolute legend of a hurler, the fact he is teaching in dublin may come into effect through a bit of pursuasion!

The fella is only 26 seems like hes been around for a decade, maybe he just wants some space and will return to inter county hurling, who with though!

Eddie Brennan has called time on his inter-county career.....Kilkenny seem to be in disarray..

RTE news link not functioning properly...Grrr

Boxtyeater wrote:
RTE news link not functioning properly...Grrr

Boxtyitis????

One of the greats, without a doubt.

Eddie would make a Top 20 hurlers of all time list in my opinion. Third most influential player in the team known as the greatest of all time (behind King Henry and Tommy Walsh).

Blessed with instant pace and a deadly eye for goal. Incredible player.

Loyal2TheRoyal wrote:One of the greats, without a doubt.

Blessed with instant pace and a deadly eye for goal. Incredible player.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

On radio just now with Des Cahill....A wonderful example to the youth of Ireland, modest to a fault ( I was a minor cog in a great wheel), un-assuming and clearly thankful for the great days and friends the game has given him....Top man...