Austin Gleeson, a Waterford hurling legend, has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling at the age of 31. The Mount Sion man, who last featured under Peter Queally and stepped away from the panel in 2024, confirmed he is fully done now after reflecting on his career longevity.
He admitted to regrets about his approach to fitness earlier in his career. Gleeson said he only began proper recovery sessions in recent years and wishes he had looked after himself better seven or eight years ago. He stated that he did not look after himself in the off-seasons as well as he should have, adding that he paid the price for it in his early and mid-twenties.
Career highlights and regrets
Gleeson's standout year was 2016, when at 21 he became only the second player after Clare’s Tony Kelly to win both the Hurler and Young Hurler of the Year awards in the same season. His career also included helping Waterford secure the National Hurling League title in 2015.
Current club context
The announcement comes as Waterford's football side handles the tail end of the Premier Division season. Gleeson was confirmed as part of a group of Déise stars not included in Stephen Molumphy's plans for the 2027 hurling panel.
First reported at The 42
