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Alan Cadogan calls it a day with Cork hurlers

Alan Cadogan in action against Kilkenny in the 2021 All-Ireland semi-final
Alan Cadogan in action against Kilkenny in the 2021 All-Ireland semi-final

Two-time Munster Championship winner Alan Cadogan has retired from inter-county hurling after a decade representing Cork.

The 30-year-old made his senior debut in 2014 and was nominated for an All-Star three times, in the provincial championship-winning seasons of '14 and '17, and again in 2019 when he scored 1-18 in six games over the summer.

He came off the bench to score a point in the 2021 All-Ireland final defeat to Limerick but made just one subsequent appearance in championship, in the '22 quarter-final loss to Galway.

Cadogan, who intends to play on with his club Douglas, also represented Cork in football at minor, under-21 and senior level, making a brief appearance in the 2016 All-Ireland qualifiers alongside older brother Eoin.

Cadogan said in a statement on social media: "Upon reflection I have decided that the time is right for me to retire from senior inter county hurling.

"From a young age and seeing the Cork teams of the past, my dream was always to represent Cork at the highest level and I was privileged to do so in both codes from minor, to U21 and at senior inter county hurling for the past 10 years.

"Firstly, I would like to thank my parents James & Eileen for the person you have made me today. You have been there with me every step of this journey and you have been my greatest influence & inspiration. Everyday I stepped foot on a GAA pitch, all I ever wanted to do was to repay you for your love and support you showed me through the highs and lows. To my siblings Eoin, Ann-Marie and Claire, I thank you for your support, guidance and reassurance throughout the years. I will be forever grateful to you all.

"To my fiancee Maeve, thank you for your support, love and patience throughout my journey. I am grateful for the sacrifices you have made to allow me fulfil my dream and I am glad to have shared this journey with you.

Alan (R) and Eoin Cadogan after the 2021 All-Ireland hurling final loss to Limerick

"I also wish to thank Cork County board, my club Douglas GAA and the Cork supporters who encouraged me in every step of the way during my inter county career. Thanks also to the GPA for their off the pitch support in assisting me in the developments in my career.

"To the current management team, management and coach's of the past that I worked with, I thank you for showing belief in me and assisting me to be the very best version of myself. I am happy that I have given my all to the Cork jersey the last 10 years by the standards that I with hold for myself both on and off the field. I would also like to thank the medical staff and physios that looked after me over the years by making sure I got back to full fitness after each set back I experienced.

"Thank you to my workplace St. Francis College Rochestown Secondary school for their support to me as a student for 6 years and now as a current teacher of the school. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the late Br Damien Brennan. His belief, trust and friendship allowed me to maximise my full potential and inspire me be the very best I could be. Even though we only knew each other for a short period of time, you were more than a mentor. You were a true friend.

"As this chapter closes, I look forward to continuing hurling with my club and exploring new challenges and opportunities that may arise in the future. Thank you."

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