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8-time All-Ireland winner Ciaran Kilkenny makes decision on Dublin future

Dubs manager Ger Brennan had asked his senior players not to rush into any decisions.

[Dublin legend Ciaran Kilkenny.]

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Dublin legend Ciaran Kilkenny.(Image: Mandatory Credit INPHO/Tom OHanlon)

Ciaran Kilkenny has announced that he has retired from intercounty football.

The Dublin icon won eight All-Irelands with the Boys in Blue, with the final appearance of his historic career coming on Sunday as the Dubs lost to Kerry in controversial fashion in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Speaking after the game, Dubs boss Ger Brennan had urged his older stars to not make any swift retirement decisions, and to take a break before thinking of the future.

[Dublin legend Ciaran Kilkenny.]

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Dublin legend Ciaran Kilkenny.(Image: Mandatory Credit INPHO/Tom OHanlon)

Today, less than 24 hours after the hooter sounded at Croke Park, Kilkenny has confirmed that Sunday's game was his last for the Dubs.

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

"Mo ghr sibh.

"Mar a tharla s, bh na cnoic sa bhaile i bhad nios glaise i ndeireadh na dla!"

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