Retirement season is in full swing.
Last month, former Kilkenny All-Ireland winning captain Joey Holden announced that he had ended his time as a member of the Kilkenny senior hurling panel.
Carlow football stalwarts Shane Redmond and Paul Broderick followed suit soon after with decisions being forced upon players prior to preparations getting into full swing for the upcoming 2022 season.
On Wednesday, eight-time All-Ireland winner Kevin McManamon confirmed that 2021 would be his last season in a Dublin jersey.
Former Dublin manager Pat Gilroy gave the 34-year-old his debut in 2010 and he would go on to be a crucial member of Gilroy’s panel while also playing a key role under Jim Gavin and current manager Dessie Farrell.
An ever-present figure in Dublin’s 2013 and 2015-20 All-Ireland winning squads, the St. Jude’s clubman’s crowning moment in sky blue came when he scored a crucial goal in their 2011 All-Ireland final victory against Kerry.
McManamon wrote the following on Wednesday morning:
“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.
“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 team’s 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.”
