Dublin GAA star Ciarán Kilkenny has announced his retirement from the sport following a trophy-laden career in the capital.
The 33-year-old won an incredible eight All-Ireland titles, 13 Leinster titles and six National League medals over the past 15 years.
The Castleknock icon also earned six All-Stars during his playing career.
In a statement released through Dublin GAA, Kilkenny expressed that playing for Dublin was the ‘greatest honour’ of his life and ‘a dream I’ve had since childhood’.
He also recalled turning down a three-year contract with Australian Football League side Hawthorn in early 2013.
Kilkenny said: ‘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.’
Kilkenny starred for Dublin throughout their greatest era in Gaelic football, making his debut the year after they ended their Sam Maguire drought in 2011.
He made his first impact against Wexford in the 2012 Leinster semi-final, before coming off the bench against Laois in that year’s All-Ireland quarter-final. He also started in the semi-final loss to Mayo.
Kilkenny was part of the Under-21 side which won the All-Ireland in 2012, with his first senior title following a year later against Mayo.
He went on to star for the Dubs as they became the first senior men’s team to win six All-Ireland titles in a row, with his final Celtic Cross arriving in 2023.
Kilkenny added: ‘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.
‘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.’
