TJ Reid calls time on Kilkenny career after 20 years in black and amber

LAST UPDATE | 30 Oct

The 42

TJ REID, KILKENNY’S gifted and prolific forward, has called time on his county career. 

The 38-year-old first played for Kilkenny in 2007 and has won seven senior All-Irelands with the Cats. 

The Ballyhale man also won 14 Leinster senior titles with Kilkenny and five National Hurling League titles.  

He gained seven All-Stars and was named Hurler of the Year in 2015.  

His remarkable scoring achievements culminated in him becoming the all-time leading scorer in senior hurling championship history with 43 goals and 672 points (801 points in total). 

“Walking away from something that’s been such a huge part pf my life is not easy, but I leave with immense pride and no regrets,” Reid said.

“When I first wore the Kilkenny jersey in 2007, I never imagined I would still be representing my county two decades later. It has been the greatest privilege of my life.

“The victories and medals will always be special, but it is the people, friendships and privilege of representing my county that I will cherish most.

After 20 seasons, the time has come to say goodbye to the Kilkenny jersey. A privilege, an honour and a journey I will cherish forever. 🖤💛 Thank you to everyone who has been part of it. TJ Reid https://t.co/UNjqx17Ywg

— TJ Reid (@_tjreid) October 30, 2026

“I have given everything I could to Kilkenny hurling and never taken the jersey for granted. I hope I have done it justice, honoured those who came before me and upheld the traditions of this great sport.”

Kilkenny GAA chairman PJ Kenny said: “TJ Reid has given extraordinary service to Kilkenny hurling over almost twenty years.  His achievements speak for themselves, but it is the manner in which he represented Kilkenny, his commitment to the jersey and the standards he set throughout his career that will leave a lasting impression.

TJ Reid celebrates All-Ireland victory in 2008. Cathal Noonan / INPHO

“He has been a wonderful ambassador for Kilkenny GAA and a firm favourite with our supporters, who have enjoyed so many memorable moments thanks to his exceptional talent.”   

Honours

7 All-Ireland SHC (2007-2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015)

14 Leinster SHC (2007-2011, 2014-2016, 2020-2025)

1 Leinster Walsh Shield (2026)

5 NHL (2009, 2011, 2014, 2018, 2021)

2 Walsh Cup (2012, 2017)

1 Railway Cup (2012)

2 All-Ireland U21 HC (2006, 2008)

3 Leinster U21 HC (2006-2008)

1 Fitzgibbon Cup (2008)

1 All-Ireland Senior Colleges HC (2004)

1 Leinster Senior Colleges HC (2004)

6 All-Ireland Club SHC (2007, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2022)

8 Leinster Club SHC (2006, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022)

13 Kilkenny SHC (2006-2009, 2012, 2014, 2018-2022, 2025-2026)

4 Kilkenny U21 HC (2003-2006)

1 Féile na nGael (1998)

7 All Stars (2012, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023)

1 Hurler of the Year (2015)

All-time leading scorer in Senior Hurling Championship history – 43 goals and 672 points (801 points in total)

Written by Ronan Early and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.