Waterford’s Ian Kenny reacts during a National Hurling League game against Cork in Pairc Uí Chaoimh back in 2021. Photo: Inpho.

After last night’s confirmation by the Waterford County Board of the retirement from inter-county hurling, after 12 seasons, of ace attacker Pauric Mahony, it is believed that two of his Ballygunner team-mates have also informed Davy Fitzgerald and the Waterford management team that they will not be part of the Déise panel for the 2023 season.

Those players are corner-back, Ian Kenny and Pauric’s younger brother Mikey Mahony.

It is believed that Kenny is going travelling shortly.

Kenny, who will be 30 in March, started the 2020 All-Ireland hurling final against Limerick but his one and only appearance in a Waterford shirt in 2022 was when he started in the Déise’s final Munster Championship game away to Clare in Ennis.

Forward Mikey Mahony is also believed to have stepped away from the Waterford panel. He made two substitute appearances in last year’s league campaign, against Tipperary and Kilkenny, but did not feature in the championship.

Both players have been key to Ballygunner’s county, Munster and All-Ireland club successes over recent seasons.

Ballygunner’s Mikey is also believed to have opted out of the 2023 Waterford senior hurling panel.