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DIARMUID Connolly has announced his retirement from intercountry soccer at the age of 33.
In a statement, posted via the Dublin County Board’s official website, Connolly revealed that he had “made the decision to withdraw from Dublin GAA representation at the inter-county level.”
“I have been fortunate to play with an incredible group of players and have treasured memories for life,” the statement read.
“Throughout my trip to Dublin, I was fortunate to have shared it with an exceptional collection of friends who showed me unwavering support and loyalty throughout my time.”
The news is a shock.
Connolly had been part of Dessie Farrell’s team for the League, although he did not appear in any of Dublin’s five games before the sport closed in March due to injury.
However, he played in every match for St. Vincent’s Dublin SFC and, given his form, looked ready to take his place in the Dublin squad ahead of six straight games.
The panel will train for the first time with its full complement of players in the next few days after last weekend’s county final and Connolly was expected to take his place in that group.
However, he has had a much less prominent presence in the Dublin squad for the past three years.
Having established himself as the most talented Dublin footballer of his generation, Connolly was limited to playing a substitute role in the 2017 Ireland final, after returning from a 12-week ban.
He missed the entire 2018 Championship, spent that summer in Boston, and was set to return to the United States last year until a technicality about his Visa meant he was rejected at Dublin Airport Customs.
Against all expectations, Jim Gavin called him back to the Dublin team and won a sixth All-Ireland medal, coming at halftime in the final repeat victory over Kerry.
Statement from Diarmuid Connolly in its entirety:
“I have made the decision to withdraw from Dublin GAA representation at the inter-county level.
I have been fortunate to play with an incredible group of players and have treasured memories for life.
Throughout my trip to Dublin, I was fortunate to have shared it with an exceptional collection of friends who showed me unwavering support and loyalty throughout my time.
I would like to thank my club, the GAA of St Vincent and the Dublin County Board for giving me the opportunity to represent Dublin from the junior level to the top.
There was always a strong relationship between the county board, teams and players and this had a notable influence on our performance.
To all the Dublin medical, support and senior management teams who advised, treated and assisted me throughout my fantastic journey. THANKS.
To my parents, my family and my friends, thank you for always supporting me and believing in me. You gave me strength throughout my journey.
Finally, I would like to express my undying thanks to the incredibly loyal, passionate and devoted Dublin fans who were always there for us, regardless of the score. You will always occupy a special place in my heart.
Thanks for the memories.
Diarmuid “
Online editors
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