Wexford will have to plan without another stalwart as veteran Liam Óg McGovern announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.
The versatile St Anne's man has drawn the curtain down on his 13-year stint in the purple and gold, following Diarmuid O'Keeffe and Matthew O'Hanlon into retirement ahead of the start of the Allianz Hurling League on Saturday.
Manager Keith Rossiter must plan for a daunting Division 1A campaign without McGovern, O'Keeffe and O'Hanlon, while Lee Chin is travelling and full-back Liam Ryan and full-forward Conor McDonald are both injured.
McGovern's departure was not unexpected and he leaves with a Leinster winners medal following the heroics of 2019, when he scored a late point against Kilkenny in the final.
He quoted A Tale of Two Cities as he bade farewell to inter-county hurling.
"'As I announce my retirement from the Wexford senior hurling panel, I've taken time to reflect on my journey. The words of Charles Dickens come to mind: 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope.'
"These words capture the highs and lows of my intercounty career and, I’m sure, reflect the experience of many others.
"To the countless people who have supported me over the years, thank you. Retiring is bittersweet, but I leave with no regrets—only pride and gratitude for the years spent chasing the dream in purple and gold and the privilege of rubbing shoulders alongside and against some of the best in the game," he concluded.
Rossiter paid tribute to his former team-mate.
"I had the pleasure of playing both with him and against him myself, and I know as well as anyone just how fiercely dedicated he’s always been. He was a key part of the Wexford set-up for many years, and he contributed hugely to Wexford hurling.
"However, I totally respect his decision, which I know he’d been considering for some time. I wish him every happiness and success in the future, and sincerely thank him for all his efforts for Wexford over the years."
The Model County host Cork in Wexford Park on Saturday evening.
