Dublin icon James McCarthy calls time on intercounty career 

The Ballymun clubman won a incredible nine All-Ireland titles with the Dubs. 

TRUE BLUE: James McCarthy has retired from intercounty football. Picture: INPHO/Tom Maher

Dublin GAA great James McCarthy has retired from inter-county football, he announced on Monday morning. 

The Ballymun Kickhams man is one of three players -- alongside Stephen Cluxton and Michael Fitzsimons -- who earned a record-breaking ninth All-Ireland senior football title in 2023.

McCarthy also won five All-Star awards and 13 Leinster titles during an incredible career.

James McCarthy has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

Thanks for everything, James 💙 pic.twitter.com/IXR3D2OJeh

— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) November 4, 2024

"I have decided to retire from representing Dublin GAA at intercounty level. This decision hasn’t been an easy one to make but I feel it’s the right time," he writes in a statement. 

"I have been very fortunate to be involved in a golden period for Dublin GAA and I have played with the most incredible group of players. It really has been some of the best days of my life and I have memories to last a lifetime. The loyalty and friendship we have built is something I will always be thankful for. To the Dublin fans thank you for the support of the team throughout the years. Walking around Croke park and passing Hill 16 is a memory that I will never forget.

"To my parents John and Marian, my family, my close friends, and my wife Clodagh, thank you for supporting me throughout my football career. Your unwavering belief in me has helped more than you will ever know.

"I would like to thank my club Ballymun Kickhams and the Dublin County board for the opportunity to play with Dublin at both underage and senior level. I will look forward to many years still ahead with my club and I hope to give back all the support I received when I was growing up.

"To all the Dublin senior management, support, and medical teams I was fortunate to play under, I just want to take this opportunity to say thank you. I’m trying to avoid names as there are too many to thank but I feel it would be amiss of me not to mention Shane O’Hanlon. What an incredible loss you have been to Dublin GAA community and to many of us on a personal level.

"Finally, to Dessie and DSF group for 2025 best of luck for the season ahead. Time flies, grasp every opportunity that comes your way, you will never get this time back."

As well as captaining Dublin to All-Ireland glory in 2023, McCarthy also won one U21 All-Ireland title and two U21 Leinster winners medals.

“On behalf of the Dublin County Board, I would like to congratulate James on his incredible contribution to the success of Dublin GAA during his playing career”, said Dublin County Board Chairman Mick Seavers.

“James steps away as one of the most decorated and inspirational footballers ever to play the game.

“We thank James for his dedication to the blue jersey and we wish him and his family every happiness going forward.”

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