Dean Rock: I lived my dream of representing Dublin

LIVED THE DREAM; Dean Rock of Dublin with his fiancé Niamh McEvoy and their daughter Sadie. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Dublin’s eight-time All-Ireland SFC winner and record points scorer Dean Rock yesterday announced his inter-county retirement.

The Ballymun Kickhams man released a statement confirming last July’s All-Ireland final win over Kerry was his last for the county.

Three-time All-Star Rock, who turns 34 next month, had indicated a number of months ago that he might not be play for the Blues in 2024. He started in all of Dublin’s six consecutive All-Ireland final triumphs between 2015 and ’20.

Son of fellow Dublin legend and fellow freetaker Barney, Rock famously kicked the winning free in the 2017 All-Ireland final win over Mayo. He also scored one of the quickest ever All-Ireland final goals in the 2020 win over Mayo.

Rock leapfrogged Jimmy Keaveney as Dublin’s highest scorer in October 2020 when he scored a goal against Meath in an Allianz Division 1 game in Parnell Park. In total, he registered 24-591, an aggregate of 663 points, in 132 matches. Behind Keaveney (30-402, 492) and Bernard Brogan (36-344, 452), Barney (30-360, 450) is fourth in the all-time list.

In a statement released by Dublin GAA, Rock said: “The time has come for me to hang up the blue jersey and end my playing career with the Dublin senior football team. I now step aside fulfilled, knowing that I made the most of the opportunity that was given to me.

“What started as a young boy’s dream in the back garden to eventually living my dream of representing Dublin is something I take immense pride from.

“The last 16 years playing for Dublin would not have bene possible without the care and support of so many.”

Rock thanked his club, the Dublin supporters, his parents, his wife Niamh who retired in 2022 after winning five All-Ireland ladies senior football medals, managers, coaches and backroom staff.

“A special mention to my Mam and Dad who are the main reason that I got the opportunity in the first place. Your constant support & belief in me never waned. You taught me to always pursue my dream and you inspired me to chase it.

“To my wife Niamh, your unconditional love helped me through the ups and downs over the years & I am excited about what the future holds. Having our daughter Sadie on the pitch after last years All Ireland final is one of my proudest moments.”

He concluded: “To Dessie (Farrell), James (McCarthy) and all the lads, the very best of luck for the season ahead. With every ending there is a new beginning. I look forward to seeing what that will bring.”