Paul Murphy, who has won four All Ireland senior hurling medals with Kilkenny, has announced his retirement from the inter county game.

The 31-year-old defender from the Danesfort club made his championship debut in 2011 and was on the winning All Ireland team in his first year as the black and amber beat Tipperary in the final.

Murphy won an All-Star that year and he collected a further three All-Stars following Kilkenny's Liam McCarthy Cup triumphs over Galway in 2012, Tipperary in 2014, and Galway again in 2015.

For years, he was one of the first names on the Cats' team-sheet, mostly at right corner back.

In a statement via his Twitter page, Murphy thanked his family, his club, Kilkenny supporters and the management teams on Noreside.

He said: "Its a privilege to have hurled not only with but against some of the greatest players to ever play the game, a memory which I will always cherish."

Murphy serves in the defence forces and has spent some time with the Army on peacekeeping duty in Lebanon.

Brian Cody was this week ratified as Kilkenny's senior hurling boss for a 23rd Championship campaign.

An honour and a privilege. Sin é!🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/2JNBU5bx8a

— Paul Murphy (@PaulMurphykk) January 15, 2021