Dunne calls time on Ireland career

Richard Dunne has described the call to retire from international football as "an extremely difficult decision" and said the memories of his Republic of Ireland career will stay with him forever.

A statement from the FAI last night revealed the QPR defender has told manager Martin O’Neill that he will not be adding to the 80 caps he won at senior level.

Dunne, who last appeared in a green jersey against Kazakhstan last October, spoke of his pride at representing his country and backed O’Neill to guide Ireland to the Euro 2016 finals in France.

“Retiring from international football has been an extremely difficult decision for me to make,” the 34-year-old said. “I have represented Ireland since I was 15 years of age, and have thoroughly enjoyed all the highs and lows that have come with playing for my country.

“I will continue to support the team as they embark upon their new campaign under Martin O’Neill, and have every faith that they will qualify for France 2016.

“I’d like to thank everyone I worked alongside during my time with Ireland, from managers to players to backroom staff.

“A special mention also goes to the fans. Their support has been immense, and I will always be grateful to them. I have so many great memories that will stay with me forever.”

Dunne’s retirement represents a significant setback to O’Neill, with the start of the qualifying campaign for the Euros just around the corner.

Nevertheless, the Ireland boss was quick to pay tribute to Dunne’s leadership qualities.

“Richard has been a remarkable player for both club and country. I had the pleasure of working with him at Aston Villa, where he had a big influence on the field.

“He has consistently given 100% every time he has been called on by his country also. I wish him all the best in his club career.”

Dunne scored eight times for his country but his finest hour came in September 2011 when he produced a masterful defensive display to help Ireland to an unlikely 0-0 draw against Russia in a crucial Euro 2012 qualifier in Moscow.

That point proved crucial as Ireland reached the finals of a major tournament for the first time in a decade under Giovanni Trapattoni.

The finals would prove an ignominious experience, however, as Ireland lost all three games in Poland.

It was a particularly devastating experience for Dunne, given he didn’t get to play a minute in the last major tournament Ireland had qualified for, the 2002 World Cup.

“It’s heartbreaking,” he said at the time. ” It’s your dream to go and play in a championships and do well and be brilliant but it’s just not happened for us. The disappointment is massive.”

That was an undoubted low point but Dunne will be remembered fondly as a heroic, courageous figure who never gave an ounce less than his best, qualities FAI chief executive John Delaney was quick to highlight last night.

“Richard has been a tremendous servant to his country, and is truly a player for Ireland to be proud of,” Delaney said.

“I will never forget his performance in Moscow, which was instrumental in winning us qualification for Euro 2012.

“Richard and his family, particularly his parents Dick and Phyllis, will always be welcome guests in Aviva Stadium.

“On behalf of the association, I would like to wish him and his family the very best for the future.”

Dunne’s retirement was O’Neill’s second setback yesterday after it emerged the Ireland boss must do without Anthony Stokes for a the Euro 2016 qualification double-header after the striker was sent forward for trial on October 10.

Appearing at a court sitting in Dublin on the morning after Celtic’s dispiriting Champions League qualifying round defeat to Legia Warsaw, the 26-year-old was charged with assaulting Ballyfermot Elvis impersonator Anthony Bradley at Buck Whaley’s nightclub on June 8, 2013.

Judge Michael Walsh explained the seriousness of the charges meant the trial was being upgraded from the District to the Circuit Criminal Court.

The trial of 10-times capped Stokes is due to start 24 hours before Ireland play their second Euro 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar at the Aviva Stadium.

As things stand, the forward will also be unavailable for the tie against world champions Germany in Gelsenkirchen on October 14.