DUBLIN STAR JONNY Cooper has announced his inter-county retirement.
Cooper, 33, calls time on a glittering career as a seven-time All-Ireland winner and two-time All-Star defender.
“Going to Hill 16 from hip height with my mother had me completely hooked,” the Na Fianna man began in a heartfelt statement posted on his Twitter account.
“I have had the immense honour and pleasure to play on the Dublin senior football team for 11 years. The time is now right for me to move on to the next chapter and to say thank you to many.”
Cooper made his senior inter-county debut in 2012, and went on to win 10 Leinster titles and six National Football League honours on top of the multiple All-Irelands (2013, 2015-2020) and All-Stars (’16 and ’18).
The teak-tough defender has been one of the most consistent performers through the Dubs’ incredible run, having progressed as an U21 All-Ireland winning captain under the watchful eye of legendary manager Jim Gavin.
A Thank You pic.twitter.com/xVj11hdKaG
— Jonny Cooper (@jcoops) December 31, 2022
A real leader on and off the field, Cooper will be a big loss for Dessie Farrell in 2023.
“Friendships and magical memories that are locked in to the end of day, with the worlds’ greatest thief not able to take even just one away,” the statement concluded, July’s dramatic All-Ireland semi-final defeat to eventual champions Kerry proving his final appearance.
“Congratulations on an incredible career, Jonny,” Dublin GAA wrote in a post of their own.
Jonny Cooper’s inter-county retirement statement in full:
Going to Hill 16 from hip height with my mother had me completely hooked. I have had the immense honour and pleasure to play on the Dublin senior football team for 11 years. The time is now right for me to move on to the next chapter and to say thank you to many.
To my friends that have backed me no matter what – although I missed a few occasions along the way I always had the aim to make you proud. Whatever I possess is simply gleaned from you.
To the Dublin county board staff, coaches, officials and sponsors whose time, experience and expertise have Gaelic games in Dublin thriving like never before.
To the many opposition teams, opponents, officials and grounds staff I met along the way – thank you.
To the loyal and passionate Dublin supporters. Many times electricity ran through my veins – I have never felt more alive than in front of you. I appreciate this deep connection; your support on the good days and the not so good days is unrivalled.
To my club Na Fianna that I am so proud to represent – managers, coaches, team-mates, parents, friends and tireless volunteers that have taught me so much since I was four, I look forward with great excitement to helping in whatever ways I can in what’s to come next in our special community.
To my remarkable family and Saoirse who’s [sic] relentless love, work ethic, support and encouragement is the main reason I got the opportunity in the first place and only reason I have lasted the few years I did.
Finally, to the many Dublin teammates, managers, coaches, performance staff, medical staff and support staff all along the journey – words can’t cover the ground to effectively express my sincere gratitude, respect and admiration for all that you sacrafice and what you have done for my family, Saoirse and I. Friendships and magical memories that are locked in to the end of day, with the worlds’ greatest thief not able to take even just one away. I love and care for you all deeply.
Thank you.
An excellent player. One of the first names on the team sheet. A total gentleman off the pitch too.
@Soupy Gargler: agree on both counts, a gent. Always had plenty of time for the young kids at Na Fianna.
Very underrated player. The opposition support detested him and the Dubs lauded him. You either loved him or hated him. Right time to step down imo.
It really is a younger man’s game now.
Thanks for the memories Johnny. A class act who will be very hard to replace
A tough cookie, what a career. Well played Jonny Cooper.
Bye bye Jonny. Your sledging and off the ball “gamesmanship” will be sorely missed.
@James Kenley: well you haven’t a clue
@John O Reilly: I actually have!
@James Kenley: One of the best defenders of the modern era. Your armchair bogger bitterness won’t cause him to lose any sleep.
@Elrond Rivendell: Best defenders don’t get up ended by lesser opponents. I’ll sleep easy in the knowledge that he has. Sweet dreams!
@James Kenley: He’ll sleep cuddling his countless medals and accolades while you sleep surrounded by used Kleenex for one reason or another. Nite nite petal.
@James Kenley: you must be from mayo,congratulations 7 time all ireland winner Johnny.
@Elrond Rivendell: I once cuddled a girl from Germany. Thought I was the dogs bollox at the time Took me many years to realise I wasn’t. Where’s my pillow?!
@barney rock: True or false winner?
@Elrond Rivendell: Pathetic pettiness. He was one of the best modern defenders around but made enough cynical tackles. Happy retirement to him and best of luck for the future.
No need to resort to insults to emphasise whatever point it is you’re making.
@James Kenley: pray tell, are you confident of the claim and brave enough to brave enough to share the details
Great player, great man
I always felt safe when Johnny was on the team, great footballer, wonderful career !
Johnny, take a bow.
Brilliant player
With thoughts of D Clifford hanting him, he realised his time was up.
@Martin hanting
@Martin Coughlan: With his seven all Irelands to Clifford’s one, who’s haunting who
@Gavan Duffy: Wont deny his medal haul but how many fans turned up just to see him play/ negate others?
@Martin Coughlan: Eh it’s kinda what defenders do.
@Martin Coughlan: what a load of rubbish he was always better than Clifford and always will be
@Martin Coughlan: Clifford is nothing but an aussie rules player with his offensive mark.
Will you let them lads out of your back out of back pocket now jonny.