George's reign comes to an end

He gave credibility to Gaelic football in North Tipperary.

That’s how many will look back on the contribution of George Hannigan who brought fifteen years of unbroken inter-county service to an end last week when he announced his retirement from senior inter-county football.

Progressing from minor straight into the senior set-up at the tender age of eighteen in 2006, Hannigan went onto make 36 championship appearances for Tipperary over the last thirteen years, making his final bow as a substitute against Mayo in the All Ireland Qualifiers last June.

In that time, he was part of the most successful period in Tipperary football since they were a heavyweight in the 1920’s, winning three Allianz National Football League medals in 2009 (division 3), 2014 (division 4) and 2017 (division 3), taking some notable scalps in the championship, and did so by being one of the first names on the team-sheet at midfield through many of those campaigns.

However, having played a bit-part role in the 2018 championship, Hannigan has decided to call it a day at the age of 31 and he feels it is the right time to move on.

“Age wasn’t really an issue it me, it was more about game time and I just felt last year was very limited and it is hard to enjoy inter-county, with all the commitment there is, when you are not involved,” he said speaking to the Guardian.

 

FACT FILE

Age: 31

Club: Shannon Rovers

Senior League debut: 2006 v Sligo

Senior Championship debut: 2006 v Kerry

Championship Appearances: 36

Championship scores: 0-13

Honours: Division 3 National League – 2009 & 2017; Division 4 National League – 2014

 

 

To read full interview, pick up a copy of this weeks Nenagh Guardian locally or subscribe to our e-paper to access it online each Wednesday.