Michael Fennelly hinted at retirement after skippering Ballyhale Shamrocks to back-to-back All-Ireland club SHC titles.

The former Kilkenny midfielder's career has been blighted by injury and he indicated after yesterday's win that his focus from now on will be on his new role as Offaly manager.

"I'm on my last legs out there as you can probably see," he told RTÉ.

"It's been tough on the body. If I could stay injury-free, without a doubt, but my body is not built for it being honest. 

"I'm suffering a bit with my groins and my hips. Over the last few weeks, I've realised this is a young man's game really and I'm 35 in a couple of weeks. My time is nearly done now. I'm not sure will I finish off or not but I'm probably very close to it." 

He added: "My focus is Offaly now and that management role. We're playing next Sunday against Meath (in the first round of the Allianz League) and I'm really looking forward to that new challenge. 

"If I do leave, I've left in a good place and finishing on a good high. Even this year, I wasn't sure whether I'd come back or not, coming back from a seven-month injury again. The enjoyment is kind of going out of it to be honest. It's a bit of a drain going training when your body is suffering each and every time."

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