Matthew O’Hanlon calls time on his hurling career

By Dan Walsh

33-years-old St. James GAA Club (Ramsgrange) stalwart Matthew O’Hanlon has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling, after 14 seasons of service in the purple and gold.

Part of the Wexford senior set-up since 2011. He made his debut against Galway in the National League that year before going on to make his first championship appearance against Antrim that summer, laying the foundation for establishing himself as a real rock in the Wexford defence in the years that followed. Overall, he achieved 140 competitive appearances for his county, with 70 of them coming in championship hurling.

Matthew was first made captain of the team in 2014 under Liam Dunne, a position he held by himself until Lee Chin joined him as joint captain in 2017. The undoubted highlight of his inter-county career was winning the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship, (2019) and lifting the Bob O’Keeffe Cup with Chin in Croke Park.

He also holds three Walsh Cup medals (2018, 2020, and 2024) and an inter-provincial title with Leinster (2014), while he received an All-Star nomination on three occasions (2016, 2017, and 2019). And many other achievements in hurling and football for club and county at various levels.

Off the field, Matthew has been centrally involved in improving support for inter county players with the Gaelic Players Association for a number of years, and most recently served a three-year term as the co-chairperson.

Matthew said; “It’s with great difficulty, but also with immense pride and gratitude, that I announce my retirement from inter-county hurling. It’s been a privilege to wear the purple and gold and one of the greatest honours of my life to have had the opportunity to lead this group. I’ve loved every minute of it and will cherish the friendships and memories I’ve made forever. I wish to extend a special word of thanks to my club, St. James’, who encouraged and supported me every step of the way,” he concluded.

Wexford senior hurling manager, Keith Rossiter also paid tribute. “I would like to thank Matthew for the commitment & dedication that he has given to his county over the past 14 seasons.

“I wish him (Matthew) every happiness and success in the future. I would also like to pay tribute to his family who have supported and encouraged Matthew throughout his hurling career.’ he concluded.

Newly elected Cathaoirleach of Wexford GAA County Board, John Kenny said; “I would like to express my sincere thanks to Matthew O’Hanlon for the contribution he made to Wexford GAA over so many years.”