Dublin’s Kevin McManamon announces his intercounty retirement

34-year-old won eight All-Ireland titles and 11 Leinster medals during 12 years with Dubs

Kevin McManamon lifts Sam Maguire in 2018. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho

Dublin’s eight-time All-Ireland winner Kevin McManamon has announced his retirement from intercounty football aged 34.

McManamon spent 12 years with the Dubs after making his senior debut under Pat Gilroy in 2010.

The St Jude's clubman played a pivotal role in ending Dublin's 16-year wait to lift Sam Maguire in 2011, scoring a crucial goal in the 1-12 to 1-11 final win over Kerry.

He would go on to win the All-Ireland in 2013, before picking up six more Celtic Crosses during Dublin’s historic six-in-a-row from 2015-2020.

READ MORE

On his retirement corner forward McManamon, who also won 11 Leinster SFC titles, released a statement. It read: “Fare thee well sweet Anna Liffey…..

“After 12 seasons with the Dublin Senior Team I have decided to announce my retirement from inter-county football. It has been an absolute privilege to represent my county, fulfil my childhood dream and I feel so proud that my playing days have lasted so long and brought so much joy.

Kevin McManamon after Dublin’s 2011 All-Ireland final win - their first in 16 years. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho

"I am grateful for the support of the Dublin County board, the GPA, countless managers, selectors, friends and backroom staff who have helped me over the years. In particular, Pat Gilroy, Jim Gavin and Dessie Farrell have been inspirational leaders, have backed me in their own way and have all helped me grow as a footballer and a person.

“To my teammates, it has been an incredible journey and I am so proud of the friendships, the stories and the memories we have made over the years.

"St Jude's GAA club has been a rock upon which I was able to build a career and it has been an honour to represent the club on the inter county stage. So many clubmates and volunteers have helped me and without men like Padraic Monaghan and Damien Carroll it is unlikely I would have had the career I did.

“To my parents Maxie and Josie and brothers Bren and Sean - your support and love has been unwavering, and I am forever grateful. Each of you have inspired me to be the best I can be and given me all the tools to grow in every area of my life.

“Finally, to the Dublin supporters, I’ll never forget the roars, the excitement, those beautiful moments when Croke Park was rocking and the feeling that you had our teams back wherever we went around the country. I truly admire your passion for supporting our team and I’m looking forward to joining you in future.

“Grá Mór

“Kev Mc”