Conor Sweeney calls time on inter-county football career

By Shane Brophy

Following a glittering career that saw him play a leading role on Tipperary senior teams for fifteen years, Tipperary Senior footballer Conor Sweeney has announced his retirement from inter county football.

In statement released this morning, the Ballyporeen clubman said: “I feel now is the right time to step away and retire from inter-county football.

“I feel truly honoured and privileged to have represented my county over the last number of years, and I have genuinely loved every minute of my time in the blue & gold (and green & white).

“Firstly, I would like to thank all the players whom I have had the pleasure of sharing a dressing room with, undoubtedly the most rewarding aspect of my time with Tipp. The friendships made, and craic shared will stay with me forever. I have loved the opportunity to play alongside some of the best players Tipperary has had to offer over the last number of years.

“I would also like to thank all the various managers, coaches and extended backroom staff whom I worked with since I started out in 2010. Your support was always greatly appreciated.

“I would also like to thank the county board, the football board, team sponsors and the GPA for all their support throughout my career.

“I would also like to say a huge thank you to John Kennedy of John Kennedy motors Clonmel for his support and generosity over the last few years.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to the Friends of Tipperary Football, a small but remarkable group of people, who made it possible for us to be successful. Thank you so much for your genuine support over the years, ye made it possible for us to thrive.”

He added: “To my clubs Ballyporeen and Skeheenarinky, thank you for everything that you have done for me since I was a child. The club is where my love of GAA was born and nurtured and for all your support over the years, I thank you. I am honoured to be a part of two proud teams for whom the future is bright.

“I am blessed to be a part of a wonderful community in Ballyporeen, and I want to sincerely thank everyone in the village for their loyalty and support throughout the good times and the bad. I was honoured to represent you in the blue and gold over the last number of years.

“To my family, undoubtedly my biggest supporters, I would never have reached the standards I did without your support and backing. To my parents, Mike and Bernie thank you for steering me in the right direction, knowing ye had my back no matter what the circumstances meant everything to me, thank you for everything. To my siblings, Gemma, Mikey & Amy, thank you also for always supporting me throughout my time playing for Tipp.

“To my Wife Shauna, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to become the player I did. You have been with me throughout my entire career and your loyalty and unwavering support made it possible for me to have the career I did. Your commitment and sacrifice made it possible for me to do what I loved for so long. To you and Connie, thank you.

“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge two people that are no longer with us, but whom had a massive impact on me throughout my career. The late Liam Kearns and Pat O’Callaghan. Liam, as everyone will know, was a previous manager and an excellent one at that, and Pat was the groundsman in Coolmore Morris Park since I started training there as a sixteen-year-old. Two people who are and will continue to be greatly missed by all who knew them.

“The journey I have had will be remembered for all the right reasons, we had some great days, but all good things must come to an end. I have been selfish for so long, and now it’s time to focus on other aspects of my life. I would like to wish Philly and all the team the very best in the future and I look forward to supporting the team from the stands.

“Up Tipp.”

Tipperary GAA thanked Conor for his “exceptional and unquestionable commitment to football in Tipperary, both on the field as a player and off it as one of the greatest ambassadors for football that this county has ever had.

“We wish Conor all the very best for the next chapter in his life and no doubt we will see him back on the field in years to come in a coaching capacity preparing the next generation for success in the Tipperary jersey.

“In your own words Conor, we had a great journey.”