Eight-time All-Ireland SHC winner Michael Kavanagh has become the fourth player from last year's successful Kilkenny panel to call time on his inter-county career.

Kavanagh follows in the footsteps of James Fitzpatrick, Eddie Brennan and PJ Ryan who all ended their involvement with the Cats in recent months.

The 32-year-old defender had a glittering career in the black and amber and won 13 Leinster SHC titles - his first in 1998, his debut year as a member of the senior squad.

Kavanagh also won five National Hurling League titles and four All-Stars during his senior inter-county career.

The St Lachtain's, Freshford clubman also claimed two Leinster titles each at minor and U-21 level, with All-Ireland success following an U-21 provincial crown in 1999.

"There comes a time when you know it is time to go. That time has come for me," he told the Kilkenny People newspaper.

"I arrived for a golden era in Kilkenny hurling and I got to play with and against some players who will forever be remembered as giants of the game.

"It is a big decision, a painful decision, but everyone knows the end of the road has to come some time."

Kavanagh believes that there is a bright future ahead for Kilkenny hurling.

"Kilkenny are in a good place now, and it is time for me to hand over to the next generation. I made the best contribution I could, and I enjoyed every moment of it. The years just flew by."