Image: Murphy (left) has stepped down from a Senior Intercoutny career spanning 11 years
Brian Cody has lost one of his top Cats ahead of the 2021 season, with the news that Danesfort's Paul Murphy has retired from the intercounty scene.
Murphy was a starlet from a young age, winning a Junior county title with his native Danesfort - aged just 17 - before going on to capture the club's only Leinster and All-Ireland titles, beating Antrim's Clooney Gaels by a point. He would then help the Black and Amber reach the senior grade for the first time in their history.
With the Cats, the defender won 4 All Ireland senior medals between 2011 and 2015, and was part of a Kilkenny side that won three-in-a-row National Hurling League titles, with the latest being in 2014.
And despite Murphy not featuring as prominently in last year's Championship, it's none-the-less a surprising move for the 31-year-old, who many Cats fans would think could bring something to the table.
An honour and a privilege. Sin é!🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/2JNBU5bx8a
— Paul Murphy (@PaulMurphykk) January 15, 2021
In his career, Murphy was recognised as being one of the best corner-backs of his time, winning four All star awards, as well as two Railway Cup medals in the colours of Leinster.
The Defence Forces Leiutenant posted to his Twitter today, saying "for as long as I ca remember it has been my dream to hurl for Kilkenny, and I am proud to say I lived that dream.
"To the Kilkenny supports, your passion and spirit is, and always has been, incredible. It has been the greatest joy to represent you down the years."
