Dublin midfield stalwart Ciaran Whelan called time on his intercounty career today, after another disappointing dismissal from the All-Ireland championship, this time at the hands of finalists Kerry. The Raheny man has been a talismanic presence in the Dublin team for 13 years, having made his debut in the 1996 Leinster final against Meath.
At the age of 33, however, he admitted the strains of top level football, sustained during a career that saw him win six Leinster titles with the Dubs and two All-Stars, had taken their toll.
“Deep down in my own mind I knew this would be the last year,” said the Raheny clubman. “I discussed it with family at home and the way the year turned out, playing a limited amount of time and given the amount of commitment and effort that goes into it.
“It’s really a time factor," added the man who captained the Dubs under Tommy Lyons in 2003 and 2004.
Even though Whelan had fallen down the pecking order, behind Ross McConnell and Darren Magee in Pat Gilroy’s team selections, it was little respite in terms of fitness.
"My body isn't recovering as quick as I'd like," he added in the Evening Herald. "Every year the commitments are getting bigger. I reached the stage in my own head where I was quite clear that it was time to move on.
“But I’ve enjoyed every minute of it … it’s been a childhood dream come true. I wouldn’t change any bit of it.”
Whelan will continue to play for Raheny for at least another season.
The GAA, meanwhile, announced this evening that Sligo’s Martin Duffy will take charge of the upcoming All-Ireland football final between Kerry and Cork. Eddie Kinsella will referee the minor final.