Dublin's Ciarán Kilkenny announces retirement from inter-county football
OVER AND OUT: Ciarán Kilkenny has announced his retirement from inter-county football. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile.
Dublin’s eight-time All-Ireland SFC winner Ciarán Kilkenny has announced his retirement from inter-county football.
The Castleknock man, who turned 33 last week, confirmed his departure less than 24 hours after his county’s All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Kerry on Sunday.
Debuting at senior level in an All-Ireland semi-final against Mayo in 2012 when he scored three points, Kilkenny claimed six All-Stars, five Division 1 medals and 12 Leinster titles in a remarkable career.
“It has been the greatest honour of my life to play for Dublin, a dream I've had since childhood,” he said in a statement issued through Dublin GAA.
“When I turned down the opportunity to play professional sport in Australia, it was because I knew that representing my club and county would always mean more to me.
“I could never have imagined how rewarding that decision would be. I have been fortunate and privileged to share a dressing room with so many legends of the game and I've made brothers for life. To those beginning your journey with Dublin GAA, I hope it brings you as much fulfilment as it brought me.
"I look forward to cheering Dublin on for many years. A huge thanks to the Dublin supporters, especially this year, for their loyalty and unstinting support.”
Kilkenny thanked the four managers he played under during his 15 seasons as a senior Dublin footballer as well as his club.
“The friendships, stories and sense of community the GAA has given me are worth far more than any result, that’s why I believe it is the greatest organisation in the world.”
He continued: “Most importantly, thank you to my family and my partner Rebekah. From my father instilling in me a love of Dublin and the GAA, to my mother and sisters supporting me every step of the way, none of this would have been possible without you.
“Mo ghrá sibh. Mar a tharla sé, bhí na cnoic sa bhaile i bhfad níos glaise i ndeireadh na dála!”
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Dublin chairman Ken O’Sullivan hailed Kilkenny’s contribution to his county.
“He will forever be synonymous with Dublin’s golden period of success. Ciarán was integral to Dublin’s All-Ireland wins during his career, including for the historic six-in-a-row of All-Ireland triumphs between 2015 and 2020.
“Dublin GAA has been extremely fortunate to have the Castleknock clubman represent the county both as a player and as a role model. We wish him every success in the future.”
Ger Brennan also paid tribute to Kilkenny.
“I was very fortunate to have both played with and managed Ciarán during his time in the blue jersey. He has brought huge leadership to the Dublin Senior Football team for over a decade and it has been a privilege to work with him.
"Ciarán embodied all that is great in a Dublin inter-county footballer- incredible teamwork, selflessness, work ethic, drive and skill. He leaves an enduring legacy for the next generation to aspire to”.
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