Galway hurling great David Burke announces retirement

Galway's David Burke. Pic:  ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

Galway’s 2017 All-Ireland senior hurling winning captain David Burke has announced his inter-county retirement.

The 35-year-old steps aside after 16 senior seasons in the maroon and white.

St Thomas’s man Burke was part of Galway’s inaugural Leinster winning team in 2012 and lifted the Bob O’Keeffe Cup on another two occasions as captain in 2017 and ’18.

A four-time All-Star (2012, ’15, ’16, ’17), he also led The Tribesmen when they claimed the 2017 Division 1 title and was later man of the match in the All-Ireland final win over Waterford, ending a 29-year gap to Galway’s previous Liam MacCarthy Cup triumph.

In a statement released through Galway GAA, Burke paid tribute to all those who assisted his career. “Galway hurling has been an integral part of my life as far back as I can remember both as a supporter and a player. It has been an honour to represent my county, club and family for 16 seasons at senior intercounty level.

“Throughout this time, I have shared a dressing room with great friends, team-mates, managers, coaches and backroom personnel, in particular Micheál Donoghue for having faith in me to help lead the county to All Ireland success in 2017.

“Playing at intercounty level takes a huge level of personal sacrifice and so I wish to take this opportunity to thank my wife, Laura, our two kids, my parents John and Paula, my sister, my brothers, in-laws and the St. Thomas’ community for their unwavering support and understanding of my commitment to Galway hurling.

“A mention also to the Galway hurling supporters who have always stood by the team along the way, the Galway County Board, longstanding Galway sponsor Pat and Una McDonagh (Supermac’s) and my school St. Brigid’s College Loughrea. There were incredible heights and excruciating lows, but the privilege was never lost on me or taken for granted. Gaillimh Abú!"

Galway manager Donoghue lauded Burke. “His influence will endure not only among the players he has shared the field with, but throughout the wider GAA community. An exceptional captain, David possessed a rare ability to inspire belief and trust in his team-mates when it mattered most.” Galway GAA chairman Paul Bellew hailed Burke as “one of our greatest-ever players, he combined exceptional hurling ability with unrivalled leadership qualities, both on and off the field. This culminated in David captaining Galway to the 2017 All-Ireland Senior Hurling title.

“He holds a unique distinction in being named Man of the Match in both All-Ireland senior inter-county and club finals, a true testament to his consistency and his ability to deliver on the biggest stages.”