Nine-time All-Ireland winner James McCarthy has called time on his legendary Dublin career.
The Ballymun Kickhams player first made it onto the Dublin panel in 2011, going on to establish himself as one of the key players in their era of dominance over the next decade.
He captained Dublin to their last All-Ireland title in 2023 and was nominated for Footballer of the Year, only to be beaten to that accolade by David Clifford.
The 34-year-old won five All-Stars and thirteen Leinster titles, as well as five National Leagues, going down as one of the most decorated players ever to play the game.
His last game for Dublin was their All-Ireland quarter final loss to Galway earlier this year. He represented Leinster in the recent inter-provincial series in Croke Park recently, having played for Ballymun Kickhams in their county semi-final loss to Cuala.
His retirement statement was shared by Dublin GAA, with McCarthy offering advice to those who remain in the Dublin dressing room: ‘grasp every opportunity that comes your way,’ he said, ‘You will not get this time back.”
“I have decided to retire from representing Dublin GAA at intercounty level. This decision hasn’t been an easy one to make but I feel it’s the right time.
“I have been very fortunate to be involved in a golden period for Dublin GAA and I have played with the most incredible group of players.
“It really has been some of the best days of my life and I have memories to last a lifetime.
“The loyalty and friendship we have built is something I will always be thankful for.
“To the Dublin fans, thank you for the support of the team throughout the years. Walking around Croke Park and passing Hill 16 is a memory that I will never forget.
“To my parents John and Marian, my family, close friends and my wife Clodagh, thank you for supporting me throughout my football career. Your unwavering belief in me has helped more than you will ever know.
“I would like to thank my club Ballymun Kickhams and the Dublin County board for the opportunity to play with Dublin at both underage and senior level.
“I will look forward to many years still ahead with my club and I hope to give back all the support I received when I was growing up.
“To all the Dublin senior management, support and medical teams I was fortunate to play under, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you. I’m trying to avoid names as there are too many to thank but I feel it would be amiss of me not to mention Shane O’Hanlon. What an incredible loss you have been to the Dublin GAA community and to many of us on a personal level.
“Finally, to Dessie and the DSF group for 2025 – best of luck for the season ahead.
“Time flies, grasp every opportunity that comes your way.”
“You will never get this time back.”
