All-Ireland champions Tipperary will start into the New Year without the services of Declan Ryan, who has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling. His decision brings down the curtain on a long and illustrious career.

It is understood Ryan had been considering retirement for the last number of weeks but only made his intention public last Sunday evening when the Tipperary team gathered in Dundrum House for the official presentation of their league and All-Ireland-winning medals. Typical of the man, he made the announcement in a low-key and unassuming manner.

"I know I will miss the training with the squad," said the 33-year-old. "But I think I'd find it hard to get a better time to go than after an All-Ireland win."

Always an inspirational figure on the Tipperary team, Ryan this summer completed his 15th season on the senior panel. The All-Ireland victory in September brought him his third winning medal, adding to the victories in 1989 and 1991, which places him in the remarkable position of winning All-Ireland medals in three separate decades.

Ryan made his senior debut in 1987 when, after captaining Tipperary at under-21 level, he was a member of the side that won its first Munster title in 16 years. He played at centre forward in the 1989 and 1991 All-Ireland wins, before moving up to full forward for last year's campaign.

It was acknowledged this past season, however, that Ryan was making an extra effort to keep up with the pace and physical demands of the senior squad training. He turned 33 last July and his wife recently gave birth to their second child, yet the news of his retirement will still cut an enormous hole in the Tipperary team as they set out in the defence of their All-Ireland crown.

Team manager Nicky English has made it clear the door remains open for Ryan should he wish to reconsider and return to the panel, but there seemed to be little doubt in the Tipperary camp yesterday that Ryan's decision was final. English and Ryan were team-mates on the 1989 and 1991 All-Ireland-winning sides.

Ryan leaves with an impressive array of honours. As well as his three All-Ireland winning medals, he has winning medals from the National League (four) and the Railway Cup. He was an All-Star in 1988 and 1997, and was also nominated in three different positions in 1989 without winning an award.

It had been predicted he would pick up another All-Star award this year after his consistent displays throughout the championship and, most significantly, in the final win over Galway, but it was not to be.

Ryanwill continue to line out for his club, Clonoulty-Rossmore, whom he has previously helped to win a Tipperary senior championship title.

Ryan's experience and maturity, however, are sure to be missed on the Tipperary side in the months ahead. The squad, meanwhile, including Ryan, sets out for a team holiday to South Africa on Friday.