Neil McManus has announced his retirement from inter-county career after 17 years with Antrim hurlers.
The 35-year-old Cushendall native played his final game for the Saffrons in last month’s brilliant 4-24 to 1-19 win over Westmeath in Mullingar - a result that secured Antrim’s place in the Leinster SHC for next season.
Antrim also retained their place in Division One of the Allianz Hurling League, meaning they’ll play a four successive season in the top tier in 2024.
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How they will fare next year without their talisman and former captain is anyone’s guess as one of Antrim’s greatest hurlers bows out.
Speaking to Belfast Live earlier this year, McManus said he was determined to continue playing for Antrim for as long as he could. However, a series of niggling injuries restricted his time on the pitch this season.
Indeed, manager Darren Gleeson conceded after the Westmeath game that he “shouldn’t have been on a hurling field” - but McManus played through the pain barrier one last time to ensure he left Antrim in a strong position for next season.
McManus, who became a father for the first time last year, told the BBC’s GAA Social podcast, that he is content with his decision.
“I go very happy in the knowledge of where the Antrim team are now. They are competing now with the teams who are serious about the knockout end of the championship,” said McManus.
"You don't ever want to outstay your welcome - not that I was ever really in danger of doing that."
"But there's more stuff going on and I'm busier than I've ever been with things outside hurling. I want to spend a wee bit more time with my family as well.
"There's a nine-month-old child in the house as well which is great.
"I've a demanding enough role in work. I'm also doing a Masters and I've a young family and involved here locally with a community interest company where we are trying to help this area regenerate itself. The additional time in the week I don't think I'll complain about it, to be honest."
The all-action forward won five Ulster Hurling titles with the Saffrons and two Joe McDonagh Cups in 2020 and 2022.
McManus was also part of Kevin Ryan's management team when Antrim claimed a remarkable win over Wexford to reach the U21 All-Ireland Hurling final in 2013 before losing to Clare in the final.
McManus will continue to line out for his Ruairi Óg club side and they’ll get their Antrim SHC Group Two campaign under way in August with a home tie against Ballycastle before facing St Enda’s and Loughgiel later in the group stage.
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