DARREN DALY’S LONG association with the Dublin senior football team has come to an end after he announced his retirement from the inter-county game this afternoon.
The popular defender was a member of the panel for 12 years, during which he collected seven senior All-Ireland medals amid a period of unprecedented success for the Dubs.
Daly, from the Fingal Ravens club, was introduced as a substitute during the All-Ireland final wins of 2013, ’15, ’16 (draw and replay) and ’18.
In a statement, the 33-year-old said: “I’ve tried to push the body one more time but unfortunately it’s not to be. With a number of recurring injuries over the past few months, it’s now the right time for me to step away.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank my family, and particularly my wife Sarah who sacrificed more than anyone to allow me to compete at this level year after year. I’m extremely grateful to have got the opportunity over the years to share some very special moments with my three kids Tadhg, Caolán and Odhrán.
“In particular I’d like to thank my team-mates. I am extremely lucky to have been part of such a successful team. I’m grateful to have learned so much from being with them, made so many friends for life, and have some of the best memories imaginable.
“I’d like to thank the managers, selectors, coaches and physios who guided and pushed me along the way. Thank you to the dedicated supporters who always created that unique atmosphere, and were there when we needed them. Finally, I’d like to thank my club Fingal Ravens for their support and encouragement over the years.”
Thanks for the memories, fantastic player!
Smashing player. Thought he could have got more game time as he was always very reliable. All the best Dalo!
7 all irelands and played very little
@Tony Mcgrath: All credit to him for hanging around for so long to get a few handy ireland medals.
Surely he has the record for the most all ireland medals for least minutes on the pitch
@Gareth Ward: handy all Ireland’s. I’m pretty sure even making that Dublin squad isn’t handy, the bang of bitterness lads. He’s there 12 years
@Paul Mallon: no bitterness how many championship minutes did he play .not many yet more all Ireland medals than some of the greatest players of all time
@Paul Mallon: I’m not a Dub but agree with ya Paul. Being at the top-end of any sport for 12 years is a great innings no matter the medals. Being a valued part of probably the most dominant sports organisation in the country during a period of massive success is even more impressive again. Big respect to the man.
@Tony Mcgrath: he’s put in as much work as any other player and deserved his medals. A great servant to his county and gave up so much of his time to be part of an inter county panel for 12 years
@Tony Mcgrath: 7 all-irelands more than you so shut it. How many have your county won in that time? Probably 0 – keep being bitter
@Gareth Ward: it’s the lads on the bench that drives the lads on the field to be the players that they’ve turned out to be and there wouldn’t have been as much success without them …the quality of the bench determines the quality of the team .
@Despacito 2: players on dubs panel who never played championship football with all Ireland medals
@Tony Mcgrath: Probably has 1 medal for every hour of championship football he played in his career! No all ireland is handy to win, but he got a few handy ones! Particularly for the last few years when he wasnt near the team. Just hanging around for the few medals, dont get me wrong all credit to him for staying around and getting away with it
Who?
@Hugh: you’re so cool Hugh
@my name: lol
Was Jim Gavins go to man when the big games were in the melting pot.
Hugely committed member of one of the greatest teams this country has ever witnessed.