Simon Doherty has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling after a 13-year long career with Armagh.
The Naomh Eoin clubman won two Nicky Rackard cup titles with the Orchard County in 2010 and 2012. He played in further finals in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019.
Doherty was also part of the Armagh team that earned promotion to Division 2A, winning the Division 2B league title in 2016.
He helped Armagh reach Division 3A National League finals in 2019, 2020 and 2022 as well.
Doherty made 100 appearances for Armagh and twice picked up Champion 15 All-Star awards in 2019 and 2021.
Statement
In a statement released on Twitter, Doherty said “After 13 years, and after a long period of reflection, I have decided to retire from Senior inter-county hurling.
“As a 17-year-old who came on to the Senior panel in 2010, my goal was to become Armagh’s goalkeeper and to make sure gave my best every time stepped on to the pitch in an Armagh jersey. Throughout this journey, I feel that I have done that to the best of my ability.
“I am honoured to have represented my county 100 times between League and Championship (53 NHL, 47 Championship);. Something which I am incredibly proud to have achieved.
“I have been very fortunate to have been part of a golden generation of Armagh hurling and this has been down to consistent endeavour of players, management and backroom staff. We have had many great days. None better than winning the 2016 NHL2B final in Dowdallshill against our great rivals, Down.
“I have been fortunate to have received Champion 15 All Star awards in 2019 and 2021. This was something which brought great pride to my family and close circle.
Captain
“As a child, I dreamt of captaining my county. I had the incredible honour of being County captain throughout the 2018 season. This is something which I will remember forever with great pride.
“The constant support of my family, girlfriend Adele, her mum and dad, close friends, club teammates & employers at Bourke Sports has allowed me to flourish over the past number of years. For this, I will be forever grateful and thankful.
“Thanks to the GPA for all of their help in my holistic development over the past thirteen seasons; both on and off the pitch.
“I wish the new management and players the very best for the 2023 season.
“Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí: Respect the youth and they will flourish.”
