LEGEND TJ WON’T SIT IT OUT ANY TIME SOON

KARL O’KANE

BY

TJ REID is “still up there with the best hurlers in the country” and it never occurred to Eoin Cody that his Ballyhale Shamrocks team-mate might retire from the county panel.

The remarkable Reid, 37, - the holder of seven All Stars and seven All-ireland titles - is in his 17th season with Kilkenny.

He also holds six All-ireland club titles with Ballyhale Shamrocks, although Kilkenny’s wait for a Liam Maccarthy Cup has now extended into a ninth year, going back to 2015.

Cody never thought Reid (right) would walk away at the end of last year: “I don’t think there was much of a decision,” he said.

“I’d say he knew - and it never crossed my mind that he’d leave.

“Look, TJ is still up there with the best hurlers in the country. He’s not going to leave the game knowing that he can offer so much more.

“That’s just the player he is. The way he hurled for the club last year, he probably played better than he has for the last couple of years.

“There was no way he was hanging up the boots.”

Last year’s All Star win was Reid’s fourth in his 30s and fourth in five years. Cody continued: “He’s a real leader on the team and it’s great to have him for the 2024 season.”

WEEKEND FIXTURES: SATURDAY

Allianz HL Division 1 semi-final:

Limerick v Kilkenny, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 4.30pm - TG4. Allianz HL Division 2B semi-final: Donegal v Tyrone, Letterkenny, 1pm Allianz HL Division 3A: semi-final Sligo v Cavan, Markievicz Park, 2pm Allianz HL Division 3B semi-final: Longford v Warwickshire, Glennon Bros Pearse Park, 2.30pm SUNDAY Allianz HL Division 1 semi-final: Clare v Tipperary, O’moore Park, 4pm TG4