Shock as Dublin's Brian Fenton to step away from inter-county football

Fenton is a two-time Footballer of the Year.

Tue, 19 Nov, 2024 - 07:58

John Fogarty

Two-time footballer of the year Brian Fenton is reported to have stepped away from the Dublin senior football set-up for next season.

Rumours about the future of the seven-time All-Ireland winner, as well as other seasoned members of Dessie Farrell’s panel, have been circulating since earlier this month when James McCarthy announced his decision to bring the curtain down on his glittering inter-county career.

The Irish Times are reporting the 31-year-old midfielder, widely regarded as the greatest of his generation, has retired.

Raheny clubman Fenton has claimed six All-Stars and was undefeated in championship football for a six-year spell between 2015 and ‘21 when the six-in-a-row All-Ireland champions lost to Mayo in an All-Ireland semi-final.

Fenton’s decision will surprise many but in an interview last year he did indicate 10 seasons would be an achievement for him.

“I started in 2015 – next year will be my 10th season. And I’ve always had it in my head that I’d love to do 10 seasons as a Dublin footballer. Now, whether I do 11 or 12, I don’t know. But I definitely want to do 10.

“I’d love to look back and go, 'I gave a decade of seasons to Dublin.’ That’s a very insignificant personal thing, obviously. But it’s something I’ve always had in my head.”