View source for Noel Hickey

{{Short description|Kilkenny hurler}}
{{For|the Australian rules footballer|Noel Hickey (footballer)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2015}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=May 2015}}
{{Infobox Gaelic games player
| code= Hurling
| sport = Hurling
| image =
| name = Noel Hickey
| irish = Nollaig Ó hÍcí
| fullname = Noel Hickey
| feet= 5
| inches= 11
| nickname = 
| occupation = Farmer
| county = Kilkenny
| province = Leinster
| club = [[Dunnamaggin GAA|Dunnamaggin]]<br>[[Kilmoganny GAA|Kilmoganny]]
| clposition = Full-back
| clubs =
| clyears = 
| clapps(points) =
| clcountyh = 1
| clcountyf = 1
| clprovince=
| clallireland =
| counties = [[Kilkenny county hurling team|Kilkenny]]
| icposition = Full-back
| icyears = 2000–2013
| icapps(points) = 47 (0-00)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurlingstats.com/show_player_matches.php?plrid=302|title=Profile: Noel Hickey|publisher=Hurling Stats website|access-date=26 May 2012}}</ref>
| icprovince = 9
| icallireland = 9
| nhl = 4
| allstars = 3
| clupdate=
| icupdate=19:55, 1 October 2012
| birth_date={{Birth date and age|df=yes|1980|12|22}}
| birth_place=[[Dunnamaggin]], [[County Kilkenny]], Ireland
}}
'''Noel Leonard Hickey''' (born 22 December 1980) is an Irish [[Hurling|hurler]] who played as a full-back at senior level for the [[Kilkenny county hurling team|Kilkenny county team]].

Born in Danganmore near [[Dunnamaggin]], [[County Kilkenny]], Hickey first played competitive hurling whilst at school in [[Coláiste Éamann Rís]]. He arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of sixteen when he first linked up with the Kilkenny minor team, before later lining out with the under-21 side. He made his senior debut in the [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2000|2000 championship]]. Hickey went on to play a key part for Kilkenny in what has come to be known as the greatest team of all time, and has won nine [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship|All-Ireland]] medals – eight of which were won on the field of play – nine [[Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|Leinster]] medals and four [[National Hurling League|National League]] medals. His brother, [[Tom Hickey (hurler)|Tom Hickey]], was a two-time All-Ireland runner-up with Kilkenny.

Hickey represented the [[Leinster GAA|Leinster]] inter-provincial team on a number of occasions in the early part of his career, winning back-to-back [[Railway Cup|Inter-provincial]] medals in 2002 and 2003. At club level he won one [[Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship|championship]] medal with [[Dunnamaggin GAA|Dunnamaggin]].

Cited by many of his hurling peers as one of the best full-backs of his generation, Hickey won three [[GAA All Stars Awards|All-Star]] awards while he also won the [[Vodafone Young Hurler of the Year|All-Star Young Hurler of the Year]] award in his debut season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/carey-among-seven-cats-included-on-best-leinster-team-of-past-25-years-1808955.html|title=Carey among seven Cats included on best Leinster team of past 25 years|publisher=Irish Independent|date=7 July 2009|access-date=4 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hickey-has-skinned-a-lot-of-good-forwards-in-his-time-1-4599158|title= Hickey has skinned a lot of good forwards in his time|publisher=Kilkenny People|date=25 December 2012|access-date=22 May 2013}}</ref>

Hickey has made 47 championship appearances for Kilkenny, more than any other full-back in the county's history. He announced his retirement from inter-county hurling on 12 January 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2013/0112/362423-cats-legend-hickey-announces-retirement/|title=Kilkenny stalwart Noel Hickey calls time on inter-county career|publisher=[[RTÉ Sport]]|date=13 January 2013|access-date=22 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thescore.ie/three-time-all-star-hickey-retires-from-inter-county-hurling-752059-Jan2013/|title=Three-time All-Star Hickey retires from inter-county hurling|publisher=The Score website|date=12 January 2013|access-date=22 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403054401/http://www.thescore.ie/three-time-all-star-hickey-retires-from-inter-county-hurling-752059-Jan2013/|archive-date=3 April 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Early years==
Hickey was born at St. Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny, to parents Andrew and Anne Hickey. The second youngest in a family of six brothers and two sisters, his father died when he was just a toddler. Hickey was educated locally at St. Leonard's National School in [[Dunnamaggin]] before later attending [[Coláiste Éamann Rís]] in nearby [[Callan, County Kilkenny|Callan]]. He later trained at Kildalton College, a third level agricultural institute.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/kilkennys-man-of-the-soil-with-a-soul-of-iron-26313775.html|title=Kilkenny's man of the soil with a soul of iron|publisher=Irish Independent|date=26 August 2007|access-date=23 May 2013|first=Damian|last=Lawlor}}</ref>

==Playing career==
===Club===
Hickey plays his club hurling with his local [[Dunnamaggin GAA|Dunnamaggin]] club and has enjoyed much success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kilkennycats.com/clubs/cgi-bin/cginews.pl?record=30 |title=Dunnamaggin |publisher=[[Dunnamaggin GAA]] |access-date=11 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713151454/http://www.kilkennycats.com/clubs/cgi-bin/cginews.pl?record=30 |archive-date=13 July 2011 }}</ref> He first came to prominence as a member of the club's minor side, winning a county title in this grade in 1995.  He added a second minor county title to his collection three years later in 1998.

By this stage Hickey was also a key member of the Dunnamaggin under-21 side.  It was a hugely successful period for the south Kilkenny club, as Hickey won his first under-21 county title in 1996 when he was only fifteen years-old.  Two more under-21 titles followed in 1998 and 1999.

Hickey was still only a member of the club's minor team when he joined the Dunnamaggin senior team.  In 1997 the club reached the [[Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship|senior county championship]] final for the very first time in their history.  Reigning champions [[Young Irelands GAA (Gowran)|Young Irelands]] provided the opposition.  Hickey had been impressive in some challenge games leading up to the final and was handed his senior championship debut just hours before the start of the game.  It was a family affair as the full-back line consisted of Hickey at left corner-back while his two brothers provided support to his right.  Dunnamaggin won the game by 2–10 to 2–7, giving Hickey and his club a first county title at senior level.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/kilkennys-little-big-man-2286591.html|title=Kilkenny's little big man|publisher=[[Irish Independent]]|date=6 August 2010|access-date=12 September 2010}}</ref>

Dunnamaggin failed to retain the title the following year, while also suffering the ignominy of being relegated from the senior competition.

The club bounced back to reclaim their senior status in 2000, following victory in the intermediate county championship final.

In 2002 Hickey lined out in his second county championship decider at senior level.  Once again it was Young Irelands who provided the opposition.  Hickey faced a tough afternoon at full-back as [[D. J. Carey]], his opposite number, scored a remarkable 2–7 to give Young Irelands a 3–14 to 1–15 victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2002/10/28/story218712357.asp|title=Young Irelands 3–14 Dunnamaggin 1–15|publisher=[[Irish Examiner]]|date=28 October 2002|access-date=11 September 2010}}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

===Minor and under-21===
Hickey first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the [[Kilkenny GAA|Kilkenny]] minor team in 1997.  He won a [[Leinster Minor Hurling Championship|Leinster]] title that year following a fifteen-point trouncing of [[Offaly GAA|Offaly]].  Kilkenny's minor were later beaten in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Hickey was eligible for the minor grade again in 1998.  He added a second Leinster title to his collection that year following a comprehensive defeat of [[Wexford GAA|Wexford]] in a replay.  Kilkenny later made it all the way to the final where [[Cork GAA|Cork]] provided the opposition.  A 2–15 to 1–9 score line resulted in defeat for Kilkenny.

In 1999 Hickey joined the Kilkenny under-21 team and was appointed captain for the year.  It was a successful year for 'the Cats', as they captured the [[Leinster Under-21 Hurling Championship|Leinster]] title following a 1–17 to 1–6 defeat of Offaly.  The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Hickey's side against [[Galway GAA|Galway]] and a close game developed.  At the final whistle Kilkenny were the champions by 1–13 to 0–14 and Hickey collected his sole [[All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship|All-Ireland]] under-21 winners' medal.

===Senior===
====2000–2004====
Hickey made his senior championship debut at left corner-back on 18 June 2000 in a 3–16 to 0–10 trouncing of [[Dublin GAA|Dublin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/cats-pounce-to-devour-roundrobin-winners-26116268.html|title=Cats pounce to devour round-robin winners|work=Irish Independent|date=19 June 2000|access-date=23 May 2013|first=Paddy|last=Hickey}}</ref> He was moved to full-back for the subsequent provincial decider, and collected his first [[Leinster GAA|Leinster]] medal following a 2–21 to 1–13 defeat of [[Offaly GAA|Offaly]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/kilkenny-power-past-passionless-offaly-26113446.html|title=Kilkenny power past passionless Offaly|work=Irish Independent|date=10 July 2000|access-date=23 May 2013}}</ref> As a result of the "back-door" system both sides later faced off against each other again in the All-Ireland final.  [[D. J. Carey]] capitalised on an Offaly mistake after just six minutes to start a goal-fest for "the Cats".  Carey scored 2–4 in all, sharing his second goal with [[Henry Shefflin]] who also scored a goal in the second-half.  At the full-time whistle Kilkenny were the champions by 5–15 to 1–14 and Hickey collected his first [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship|All-Ireland]] medal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/goal-hungry-kilkenny-play-cat-and-mouse-with-offaly-26108846.html|title=Goal hungry Kilkenny play Cat and mouse with Offaly|work=Irish Independent|date=11 September 2000|access-date=23 May 2013|first=Martin|last=Breheny}}</ref> He was subsequently honoured with his first [[GAA All Stars Awards|All-Star]] award while also picking up the [[Vodafone Young Hurler of the Year|Eircell Young Hurler of the Year]] title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=34625|title=Hurling All Stars for 2000|work=Hogan Stand website|date=1 December 2000|access-date=23 May 2013}}</ref>

In 2001 Hickey won a second Leinster medal following a 2–19 to 0–12 demolition of [[Wexford GAA|Wexford]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/kilkenny-devour-wexford-in-game-of-cat-and-mouse-26079622.html|title=Kilkenny devour Wexford in game of cat and mouse|work=Irish Independent|date=9 July 2001|access-date=25 May 2013|first=Martin|last=Breheny}}</ref> Kilkenny subsequently faced a shock defeat by [[Galway GAA|Galway]] in the All-Ireland semi-final.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/northern_ireland/1499470.stm|title=Galway stun champions|work=[[BBC Sport]]|date=19 August 2001|access-date=25 May 2013}}</ref>

Kilkenny recovered from this championship defeat by reaching the league decider in 2002. An injury-time point by [[Brian Dowling (hurler)|Brian Dowling]] secured a 2–15 to 2–14 victory and a first National League medal for Hickey.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/northern_ireland/1969594.stm|title=Kilkenny edge out Cork|work=[[BBC Sport]]|date=5 May 2002|access-date=25 May 2013}}</ref> He later added a third Leinster medal to his collection following a narrow 0–19 to 0–17 defeat of Wexford, before lining out in a second All-Ireland decider.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2002/0707/165263-leinster/|title=Cats steal Leinster hurling final|work=[[RTÉ Sport]]|date=14 June 2007|access-date=25 May 2013}}</ref> First-round losers [[Clare GAA|Clare]] worked their way through the qualifier system and provided the opposition, however, there was no doubt in the pundits' minds that there would be anything but a Kilkenny victory.  Henry Shefflin and D. J. Carey combined to score 2–13, while Clare's forwards missed two easy goal chances.  At the full-time whistle Kilkenny were the champions by 2–20 to 0–19 and Hickey collected a second All-Ireland medal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/classy-cats-cream-clare-26033889.html|title=Classy Cats cream Clare|work=Irish Independent|date=9 September 2002|access-date=25 May 2013}}</ref>

The success continued for Kilkenny in 2003, with Hickey lining out in a second successive league decider. A remarkable 5–14 to 5–13 defeat of [[Tipperary GAA|Tipperary]], the highest aggregate score ever recorded in a league final, gave him a second winners' medal in that competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/stunning-kilkenny-snatch-and-grab-raid-25945806.html|title=Stunning Kilkenny snatch and grab raid|work=Irish Independent|date=6 May 2003|access-date=25 May 2013}}</ref> A subsequent 2–23 to 2–12 defeat of Wexford gave Hickey a fourth successive Leinster medal, before Kilkenny qualified for another All-Ireland showdown.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2003/0706/173841-kilkenny/|title=Rampant Kilkenny retain Leinster crown|work=[[RTÉ Sport]]|date=14 June 2007|access-date=25 May 2013}}</ref> Age-old rivals [[Cork GAA|Cork]] were the opponents, however, Hickey's side were once again the overwhelming favourites going into the game. Kilkenny were ahead at the break, however, [[Setanta Ó hAilpín]] scored the equalising goal for Cork after the restart. A [[Martin Comerford]] goal five minutes before the end clinched a 1–14 to 1–11 victory for Kilkenny.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2003/0915/world/kilkenny-stand-firm-under-cork-onslaught-707695375.html|title=Kilkenny stand firm under Cork onslaught|work=Irish Examiner|date=15 September 2003|access-date=25 May 2013|first=Jim|last=O'Sullivan}}</ref> Not only did Hickey collect a third All-Ireland medal but he was also named as the [[man of the match]]. He subsequently collected a second All-Star award.

In 2004 Kilkenny surrendered their league and provincial crowns.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/gaa/last-gasp-goal-sinks-kilkenny-152130.html|title=Last gasp goal sinks Kilkenny|work=Breaking News website|date=13 June 2004|access-date=25 May 2013}}</ref> In spite of these setbacks, Kilkenny still reached the All-Ireland final and the chance to capture an historic third championship in-a-row. Cork provided the opposition on a gloomy and overcast day, however, the game failed to live up to expectations. The sides were level for much of the game, and in the final twenty minutes Cork scored nine points without reply and secured the 0–17 to 0–9 victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2004/0913/ireland/cork-savour-sweet-victory-510326420.html|title=Cork savour sweet victory |work=Irish Examiner|date=13 September 2004|access-date=25 May 2013}}</ref>

====2005–2008====
Kilkenny were back in form in 2005, however, Hickey endured a season dogged by illness and injury. After missing Kilkenny's league triumph, he returned to championship action in time to collect a fifth Leinster medal following a 0–22 to 1–16 defeat of Wexford.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2005/0704/ireland/kilkenny-hold-nerve-and-stumble-over-the-line-869310824.html|title=Kilkenny hold nerve and stumble over the line|work=Irish Examiner|date=4 July 2005|access-date=25 May 2013|first=Jim|last=O'Sullivan}}</ref> Hickey had been feeling unwell for a while during the championship campaign, however, he failed to act until receiving advice from his sister who was a nurse.  He was subsequently diagnosed with a virus that had attached itself to the muscle around the wall of the heart. It would have proved potentially fatal if it had gone undiagnosed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/gaa/virus-ends-hickeys-season-212702.html|title=Virus ends Hickey's season|work=Breaking News website|date=21 July 2005|access-date=25 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=49102|title=Hickey blow for Cats|work=Hogan Stand website|date=21 July 2005|access-date=25 May 2013}}</ref> As a result, Hickey missed Kilkenny's All-Ireland semi-final against Galway, a game which saw "the Cats" concede five goals and exit the championship.

After being sidelined for a lengthy period, during which he also had laser-eye surgery, Hickey fought his way back to full fitness by the end of Kilkenny's league campaign in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=57774|title=Hickey to visit eye specialist|work=Hogan Stand website|date=8 March 2006|access-date=25 May 2013}}</ref> A forgettable 3–11 to 0–15 defeat of [[Limerick GAA|Limerick]] gave him a third National League medal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/shefflin-goals-shatter-limerick-s-title-dream-by-jerome-o-connell-1-2176359 |title=Shefflin goals shatter Limerick's title dream |work=Limerick Leader |date=5 May 2006 |access-date=25 May 2013 |first=Jerome |last=O'Connell |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130702075334/http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/shefflin-goals-shatter-limerick-s-title-dream-by-jerome-o-connell-1-2176359 |archive-date= 2 July 2013 }}</ref> Hickey's championship return was delayed until 3 July 2006, almost a year to the day since he last played championship hurling. A 1–23 to 2–12 defeat of Wexford gave him a sixth Leinster medal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2006/0703/ireland/confident-cats-never-forced-out-of-the-comfort-zone-7388.html|title=Confident Cats never forced out of the comfort zone|work=Irish Examiner|date=3 July 2006|access-date=25 May 2013|first=Jim|last=O'Sullivan}}</ref> After playing at corner-back for some games throughout the campaign, Hickey was at his usual full-back position for the subsequent All-Ireland showdown with Cork. The Leesiders were aiming for a third All-Ireland victory in-a-row; however, revenge was foremost in the minds of Kilkenny as it was Cork who denied their three-in-a-row bid in 2004. On the day Kilkenny were far too strong for Cork as "the Cats" secured a 1–16 to 1–13 victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2006/0904/ireland/cats-show-their-claws-12419.html|title=Cats show their claws|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=4 September 2006|access-date=25 May 2013|first=Michael|last=Moynihan}}</ref> Hickey was singled out for particular praise as he collected a fourth All-Ireland medal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2006/0904/ireland/hickey-heart-of-the-matter-12416.html|title=Hickey heart of the matter|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=4 September 2006|access-date=25 May 2013|first=Diarmuid|last=O'Flynn}}</ref>

Hickey captured a seventh Leinster medal in 2007 following another facile 2–24 to 1–12 defeat of Wexford.  A damaged hamstring restricted his involvement in the latter stages of the championship, however, Kilkenny still qualified for the All-Ireland final where, surprisingly, [[Limerick GAA|Limerick]] provided the opposition.  Kilkenny got off to a flying start with [[Eddie Brennan]] and Henry Shefflin combining to score two goals within the first ten minutes. Hickey's hamstring caused problems during the match and he was forced to leave the field after just over twenty minutes. In spite of losing their full-back as well as their captain Henry Shefflin, Kilkenny still went on to win the game by 2–19 to 1–15.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2007/0903/ireland/emotions-high-as-cats-bag-30th-title-41560.html|title=Emotions high as Cats bag 30th title|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=3 September 2007|access-date=25 May 2013|first=Michael|last=Moynihan}}</ref> It was a fifth All-Ireland medal for Hickey.

Hickey's 2008 league and championship campaigns were hampered by injuries once again. He played no part in the provincial series but was back in his usual position for the All-Ireland semi-final defeat of [[Cork GAA|Cork]]. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw [[Waterford GAA|Waterford]] providing the opposition. An absolute rout took place with Kilkenny winning by 3–30 to 1–13.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2008/0908/ireland/a-3-30-finish-to-a-330-start-71796.html|title=A 3–30 finish to a 3.30 start|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=8 September 2008|access-date=25 May 2013|first=Diarmuid|last=O'Flynn}}</ref> It was a sixth All-Ireland medal for Hickey, while he later collected a third All-Star award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/gaa/2008/1017/1224233213843.html|title=Kilkenny dominate All-Star team|work=Irish Times|date=17 October 2008|access-date=9 March 2009}}</ref>

====2009–2013====
A knee injury ruled Hickey out of the 2009 championship while he subsequently damaged an AC joint in his shoulder.  Because of this he missed Kilkenny's historic fourth All-Ireland title in succession.

Hickey returned to championship hurling after a twenty-one month absence on 20 June 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/hickey-thrilled-to-end-injury-nightmare-26662384.html|title=Hickey thrilled to end injury nightmare|publisher=Irish Independent|date=23 June 2010|access-date=25 May 2013|first=Donnchadh|last=Boyle}}</ref> He later added an eighth Leinster medal to his collection following a 1–19 to 1–12 defeat of new provincial rivals Galway. The subsequent All-Ireland final produced another showdown with Tipperary. The Munster men got off to a great start as Kilkenny's star forward Henry Shefflin had to leave the field with an injury.  A hat-trick of goals by [[Lar Corbett]] and a fourth by [[Noel McGrath (hurler)|Noel McGrath]] denied Kilkenny's drive-for-five and secured a remarkable 4–17 to 1–18 victory for Tipp.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2010/0906/opinion/no-holding-back-terrier-like-tipp-129989.html|title=No holding back terrier-like Tipp|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=6 September 2010|access-date=26 May 2013|first=Donal|last=O'Grady}}</ref> It was Kilkenny's first defeat in the championship since 2005.

Kilkenny retained their provincial title in 2011. The 4–17 to 1–15 defeat of Dublin ensured a ninth Leinster medal for Hickey.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2011/0704/ireland/old-warriors-put-on-masterclass-159900.html|title=Old warriors put on masterclass|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=4 July 2011|access-date=26 May 2013|first=Diarmuid|last=O'Flynn}}</ref> For the third year in succession, Kilkenny faced Tipperary in the subsequent All-Ireland decider. While Hickey's side were regarded as the underdogs, Tipp seemed uneasy with the favourites' tag. A 2–17 to 1–16 victory gave Hickey his seventh All-Ireland medal on the field of play.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2011/0905/opinion/kilkennyaposs-day-kilkennyaposs-era-166504.html|title=Kilkenny's day, Kilkenny's era|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=5 September 2011|access-date=26 May 2013|first=Michael|last=Moynihan}}</ref>

Hickey played a more peripheral role during the 2012 championship. Kilkenny faced a shock defeat by Galway in the provincial final that year, however, they still reached the All-Ireland final via the "back door" system.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2012/0709/ireland/kilkenny-empire-rocked-by-king-canning-200123.html|title=Kilkenny empire rocked by king Canning|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=9 July 2012|access-date=26 May 2013|first=Diarmuid|last=O'Flynn}}</ref> Both sides met again in that game, however, Hickey played no part in the first drawn All-Ireland decider since 1959. In the subsequent replay he was introduced as a substitute after fifty-five minutes. Kilkenny won the game comfortably by 3–22 to 3–11 and Hickey collected his eighth All-Ireland medal on the field of play and his ninth medal overall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2012/1001/ireland/back-to-basics-works-for-merciless-kilkenny-209459.html|title=Back to basics works for merciless Kilkenny|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=1 October 2012|access-date=26 May 2013|first=Diarmuid|last=O'Flynn}}</ref>

On 12 January 2013, Hickey announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2013/0112/362423-cats-legend-hickey-announces-retirement/|title=Cats legend Hickey announces retirement|publisher=[[RTÉ Sport]]|date=13 January 2013|access-date=26 May 2013}}</ref>

===Inter-provincial===
Hickey also lined out for [[Leinster GAA|Leinster]] in the inter-provincial series of games.

In 2002 he was at full-back as Munster faced their age-old rivals [[Munster GAA|Munster]] in the championship decider. A last-minute free by Henry Shefflin secured a 4–15 to 3–17 victory and a first [[Railway Cup|Inter-provincial]] medal for Hickey.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/eagleeye-shefflin-strikes-gold-for-leinster-26025998.html|title=Eagle-eye Shefflin strikes gold for Leinster|publisher=Irish Independent|date=4 November 2002|access-date=26 May 2013}}</ref>

Hickey was the first-choice number three again in 2003 as Leinster faced [[Connacht GAA|Connacht]] in the final. A 4–9 to 2–12 victory gave him a second Inter-provincial medal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/leinster-serve-up-a-tasty-italian-dish-26236862.html|title=Leinster serve up a tasty Italian dish|publisher=Irish Independent|date=9 November 2003|access-date=26 May 2013|first=John|last=McIntyre}}</ref>

==Honours==
===Team===
;Dunnamaggin
*[[Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship]] (1): 1997
*[[Kilkenny Intermediate Hurling Championship]] (1): 2000
*[[Kilkenny Junior Hurling Championship]] (1): 2018 (sub)
*[[Leinster Junior Club Hurling Championship]] (1): 2018
*[[All-Ireland Junior Club Hurling Championship]] (1): 2019
*Kilkenny Under-21 Hurling Championship (3): 1996, 1998, 1999
*Kilkenny Minor Hurling Championship (2): 1995, 1998

;Kilmoganny
*[[Kilkenny Senior Football Championship]] (1): 2000

;Kilkenny
*[[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship]] (9): [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2000|2000]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2002|2002]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2003|2003]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2006|2006]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2007|2007]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2008|2008]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2009|2009]] (sub), [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2011|2011]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2012|2012]]
*[[Leinster Senior Hurling Championship]] (11): [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2000#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2000]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2001#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2001]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2002#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2002]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2003#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2003]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2005#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2005]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2006#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2006]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2007#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2007]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2008#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2008]] (sub), [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2009#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2009]] (sub), [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2010#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2010]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2011#Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|2011]]
*[[National Hurling League]] (4): [[National Hurling League 2002|2002]], [[National Hurling League 2003|2003]], [[National Hurling League 2005|2005]], [[National Hurling League 2006|2006]]
*[[All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship]] (1): 1999 (c)
*[[Leinster Under-21 Hurling Championship]] (1): 1999 (c)
*[[Leinster Minor Hurling Championship]] (2): 1997, 1998

;Leinster
*[[Railway Cup|Inter-provincial Championship]] (1): 2002, 2003

===Individual===
;Awards
*[[All Stars Young Hurler of the Year]] (1): 2000
*[[GAA GPA All Stars Awards|All-Star Awards]] (3): [[List of All Stars Awards winners (hurling)#2000|2000]], [[List of All Stars Awards winners (hurling)#2003|2003]], [[List of All Stars Awards winners (hurling)#2008|2008]]
*Leinster Hurling Team of the last 25 years (1984–2009): Full-back

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{S-start}}
{{s-ach|ach}}
{{Succession box
 | before=[[Dan Murphy (hurler)|Dan Murphy]]<br>([[Cork county hurling team|Cork]])
 | after=[[Donncha Sheehan]]<br>([[Limerick county hurling team|Limerick]])
 | title=[[All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship|All-Ireland Under-21 HC]]<br>winning [[Captain (Gaelic games)|captain]]
 | years=[[1999 All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship|1999]]
}}
{{s-ach|aw}}
{{Succession box
 | before=[[Diarmuid O'Sullivan]]<br>([[Cork county hurling team|Cork]])
 | after=[[Eoin Kelly (Tipperary hurler)|Eoin Kelly]]<br>([[Tipperary county hurling team|Tipperary]])
 | title=[[Vodafone Young Hurler of the Year|Eircell Young Hurler of the Year]]
 | years=2000
}}
{{Succession box
 | before=[[Henry Shefflin]]<br>([[Kilkenny county hurling team|Kilkenny]])
 | after=[[Niall McCarthy]]<br>([[Cork county hurling team|Cork]])
 | title=[[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship|All-Ireland SHC Final]]<br>[[Man of the Match]]
 | years=[[2003 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship|2003]]
}}
{{S-end}}

{{Navboxes
|title= Noel Hickey navigation boxes
|bg= 
|fg= 
|list1=
{{2000 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions}}
{{2002 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions}}
{{2003 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions}}
{{Kilkenny Hurling Team 2004}}
{{2006 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions}}
{{2007 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions}}
{{2008 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions}}
{{2009 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions}}
{{Kilkenny Hurling Team 2010}}
{{2011 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions}}
{{Kilkenny Hurling Team 2012}}
{{2000 Hurling All Stars}}
{{2003 Hurling All Stars}}
{{2008 Hurling All Stars}}
{{GAA/GPA Young Hurler of the Year}}
{{Leinster Hurling Team 2002}}
{{All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final Man of the Match}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hickey, Noel}}
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship winners]]
[[Category:All Stars Awards winners (hurling)]]
[[Category:Dunnamaggin hurlers]]
[[Category:Kilmoganny Gaelic footballers]]
[[Category:Hurling backs]]
[[Category:20th-century Irish farmers]]
[[Category:Kilkenny inter-county hurlers]]
[[Category:Kilkenny inter-county Gaelic footballers]]
[[Category:Leinster inter-provincial hurlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Irish sportsmen]]
[[Category:GAA/GPA Young Hurlers of the Year]]