Prendergast leaves the Intercounty hurling scene with numerous medals in his collection (credit - pix.ie)

Waterford defender Declan Prendergast has announced that he will retire from Intercounty hurling with immediate effect.

During a successful 12 year career, the Ardmore clubman picked up 4 Munster senior championship medals and was part of the Déise side that won the 2007 National Hurling League title.

He played in the opening two games of this year’s campaign, against Cork and Tipperary, but has not featured since.

Reflecting on his career, the 30-year old doesn’t have too many regrets, but admits his disappointment at never landing the big one.

“I suppose in a dozen years you have ups and downs, but those were great days for all of us as players and obviously for the supporters, who followed us loyally through all the years,” he said.

“The one disappointment would be that we never won the All-Ireland. The lads still have a chance though, they have a good team and a mix of young lads and experienced players. Hopefully they’ll manage it, even though it’ll be very tough.”

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Prendergast also discussed his toughest opponents down the years;

“Lar (Corbett) was a very difficult man to mark, very quick, very accurate, but Henry Shefflin is obviously a fantastic player as well.”

He also confirmed that he will continue to turn out for his club.

See highlights of the Déise’s famous 2007 League triumph right here:

(Credit: fuzzbrian)