Wexford's Diarmuid O’Keeffe retires from inter-county hurling

RETIRED: Diarmuid O'Keeffe has retired from Wexford. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Wexford stalwart Diarmuid O’Keeffe has retired from inter-county hurling at the age of 32.

The 2019 All-Star and Leinster SHC winner steps down after a difficult 2024 following back surgery.

St Anne’s, Rathangan man O’Keeffe made his championship debut in 2012 and filled several roles between the half-back and half-forward lines.

Confirming his retirement, O’Keeffe said: “I have loved every aspect of representing the Wexford hurling team since 2012.

"Although I will miss it, it has been a huge honour and I have made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

“I would like to extend my appreciation to all of my team-mates, each of the managers and management teams that I played under, all the coaches that I had during my time playing underage for Wexford and of course, the loyal Wexford fans.

“I want to pay a special tribute to my club St. Anne’s Rathangan who encouraged and supported me along the way. I am looking forward to prolonging my club career with them in the years ahead.

"Finally, a huge thank you to all of my family, especially my mam Joan, my late dad Noel, my wife Megan and my daughter Bláithín for always being my number one supporters.

“I would like to wish Wexford every success in 2025 and the years beyond in their quest for glory.”

Manager Keith Rossiter hailed “Dee” O’Keeffe: “It has been an honour and a privilege to have both played with and managed such a great player.

"He is incredibly talented and has had a great hurling career, and yet always remained steady and level headed.

“He’s a guy for whom I have always had the greatest respect and, while the set-up will not be the same without him, I totally respect the decision he has now made.”