While he might have been all smiles as he toasted his retirement from professional hurling, TJ Reid admits that he had a wobble moment for days beforehand.
The All-Star champ announced that he had made the difficult decision to step back from the game in an emotional speech in October, where he thanked his wife, Niamh de Brún, and spoke of never dreaming that his career would ‘take him this far’.
During an appearance on the Late Late Show, he delved into just how difficult it was to hang up his hurl ‘for good’.
Host Patrick Kielty asked him about a photo accompanying his retirement speech, which shows him and Niamh smiling and enjoying a glass of bubbles, but the TJ admits that the reality was very different.
‘Before that, I was bawling, crying; that’s [the photograph] when I was happy,’ he said. ‘I had a moment for three days, yeah, I’m not going to lie, it was two decades, 20 years of [my life].’
TJ went on to explain: ‘I listened to John [Bishop] there say he loves doing something that he loved doing, and it’s just the go again and to keep going.
‘For me, I played hurling with Kilkenny for 20 years, but I was also there for U14, U16, minor, and senior, and you never want it to stop because that Kilkenny jersey means something to you.’
His bittersweet words were met with high praise from those tuning in at home.
One person replied: ‘Legend, great interview’ while others were frustrated that he didn’t get more airtime.
Another viewer touched on his clear love for his family, writing: ‘A ferociously strong man, yet so gentle in his manner and graceful in the way he carries himself.
‘There’s something truly special about that contrast. And when his family is mentioned, his whole body language speaks volumes. You can see the love, pride, and devotion in him.’
‘His family are clearly his world, and that says so much about the man he is. Niamh and his children Harper and Seán Óg were at the forefront of his thoughts as he announced his retirement.’
At the time of announcing his retirement, TJ said: ‘To my wife, Niamh, thank you for every sacrifice, your endless support and for always allowing me to give everything to hurling. I could never have done this without you.
‘Harper and Seán Óg, you are my greatest pride. Harper, I will always treasure you watching me in the Kilkenny jersey. Seán Óg, I look forward to making many more memories together.’
