Ciarán Kilkenny retires from senior inter-county action

Dublin's Ciarán Kilkenny has announced his retirement from senior inter-county football.

During a glittering career, the Castleknock clubman won eight All-Ireland SFC titles, 13 Leinster Championships, five Allianz Football League medals, and six All-Stars.

On Monday morning Dublin GAA released a statement confirming Kilkenny's decision following the All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final loss to Kerry at Croke Park. "Tá mo rás rite i ngeansaí na nDubs," Kilkenny says.

"It has been the greatest honour of my life to play for Dublin, a dream I've had since childhood. 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.

"Thank you to Pat Gilroy, Jim Gavin, Dessie Farrell, Ger Brennan, their backroom teams, and everyone in Dublin GAA who gave so much to the jersey. It was a privilege and honour to play even a small part in the long and storied history of this great county.

"My thanks to my club, Castleknock GAA, where it all began, and to every opponent I've had the privilege of playing against. 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.

"Thank you to Finbar, Padraig and everyone at Bradys Arva for your support over the years.

"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."

Dublin manager Ger Brennan acknowledged Kilkenny's rich contribution to Gaelic games. “I was very fortunate to have both played with and managed Ciarán during his time in the blue jersey," Brennan says.

"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."