Michael Moynihan: Retirements everywhere you look

For players whose identities are bound up with their particular sport, the abrupt conclusion signalled by those terms can be unhelpful at the very least

Mayo's Chris Barrett is one of five players from the county to retire in the last few weeks. But the green and red aren't the only team hit by players opting out of the 2021 season. Picture: INPHO/Tommy Dickson

Mon, 18 Jan, 2021 - 07:00

Michael Moynihan

Michael Moynihan is an associate editor and columnist with the Irish Examiner. He is also a best-selling author and documentary maker.

It seems you can’t go out for milk these days without being waylaid by retirement. Everywhere you turn. Everywhere you look. Mayo players. Dublin players. Wayne Rooney. Cork players. Journeys and commitment, honours and privileges.

Last week we even had a retired player’s number retired in professional ice hockey - Willie O’Ree of the Boston Bruins - while Alex Ferguson, long retired as Manchester United manager, said he was glad he’d retired because Liverpool were so good: not just retired, then, but happy to outline just how happy he was to be retired.