Glowing tributes have been paid to Richie McCarthy and Paul Browne by the Limerick senior hurling management after the pair announced their inter-county retirements in the last week.

Both won All-Ireland SHC medals under John Kiely last year and bow out after giving more than a decade's service to the green and white jersey.

“The Limerick Senior Hurling Management and Backroom Team would like to pay tribute to Richie and Paul for their unstinting commitment to Limerick hurling throughout their outstanding careers,” a statement on the Limerick GAA website read.

“In Richie we had one of the most skilful full backs to ever play the game. A great reader of the game who invariably put himself in the right place on the pitch. Richie loved being on the ball. He had a terrific first touch and his distribution of the ball was exemplary. His performances over the last decade were inspiring to not only his teammates but his legion of supporters up in the terrace.    

“Richie was a great example to the younger players joining the group in recent years. A great leader on the training pitch, often taking in-house games by the scruff of the neck.  He loved playing for Limerick and throughout his career he wore the jersey with great pride and distinction.  He really loved the big occasion and always delivered. 

“He worked tirelessly last season to return from his ACL injury and went on to have a superb season with his club Blackrock which epitomised the man.   

“We would like to wish Richie the very best for the future on and off the pitch.”   

The statement added: “We would also like to acknowledge the tremendous contribution make by Paul Browne over the last eleven years.   

“Paul has been a powerhouse at midfield throughout that time. A hard-running, ball of energy across the pitch, Paul did a fantastic job with tenacious defending and driving runs forward to feed the forward unit. A master of the breaking ball and always good for a couple of points when needed.  Paul had incredible turn of pace and skill in the middle of the field and this allowed him to make a significant impact in big games. 

“He was a work horse at training setting the tone in every session. A terrific leader, leading by example on the pitch and a selfless one off the pitch. This was epitomised in 2018 when Paul got his ACL injury mid-season. Paul immediately turned all his energies to helping the team in any way he could. It was a source of great pride to see him run out on to Croke Park on All Ireland final day in 2018. He truly deserved it. With Paul the team always came first, Limerick always came first.

“Again, Paul was a great example to our younger players in recent years, he led by example at all times.  He was incredibly generous with his time to our younger supporters and they returned their gratitude in spades when Paul needed them on match day.

“Brownie, we wish you the very best for the future. Enjoy the next chapter.”

 

Limerick Senior Hurling Management pay tribute to retiring duo https://t.co/211DtYkOd3

— Limerick GAA (@LimerickCLG) November 29, 2019

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