Waterford fans are in shock after star forward John Mullane confirmed his retirement from inter-county hurling.

Mullane won four Munster medals, an Allianz League title and gained all-star recognition but has decided to call it quits.

“I was training last year -- doing hill work -- and Eon Kelly, Eoin McGrath and myself decided it was our last season. We would see the year out and that would be it,” he revealed.

“The level of commitment required nowadays is huge, with work and family to be attended to as well.

“I’m a firm believer in when you’re gone, you’re gone! The next thing for me is to devote more of my energy to family life.

“As for management – It’s not something I’d rule out. Whatever dressing room I end up in in the future I feel I can bring a winning mentality with me.” 

Mullane also denied that being overlooked for the Waterford captaincy had any bearing on his decision.

“Being offered the captaincy would have been great. But then you have to ask yourself -- what is the captaincy? I have always gone into a dressing room and said what had to be said. I brought that same drive and single-mindedness onto the pitch with me. People know what I’m about.”

Waterford boss Michael Ryan says he will welcome Mullane back if the star player changes his mind.

Ryan said, “The last thing I said to John was the door is always open. That if he changes his mind in a month or six weeks to pick up the phone and give me a ring.

“Whether he does or not, he’ll always be remembered as a legend of Waterford hurling. I’d have loved for John to stay on, but he felt the time was right to make the decision.”