JAMES McCARTHY has hung up the inter-county football boots after a trophy-laden career with Dublin.
The 34-year-old announced his retirement in an emotional statement on Monday, thanking the fans for ‘memories I will cherish forever.’
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He won a record NINE All-Ireland SFC titles with the Sky Blues, the last of which being as captain in 2023.
The Ballymun Kickhams man is one of three Dubliners to have won Sam Maguire nine times, the others being Stephen Cluxton and Michael Fitzsimons.
Yet away from the field, his life has been blossoming, with him and his wife Clodagh having welcomed his first son back in February.
And here SunSport takes a look at James McCarthy’s family life behind the GAA icon.
How old is James McCarthy and where is he from?
James McCarthy was born on March 1, 1990, making him 34 years of age.
He was a student at Sacred Heart BNS Ballygall and St Kevin’s College in Ballygall before moving onto DCU, where he won the Sigerson Cup.
His local club was Ballymun Kickhams, for whom he has won two Dublin SFC and the 2012 Leinster title.
When did he make his Dublin debut?
McCarthy made his senior championship debut in 2011 and, in keeping with the career that followed, won the All-Ireland in his first season.
He followed in the footsteps of his dad John, who played senior football for Dublin and won Sam Maguire three times.
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The Dublin career that followed that first championship appearance has been full of medals.
Nine All-Ireland titles were joined by 13 provincial titles and five National League crowns.
On the individual front, McCarthy is a five-time All-Star and was named Sunday Game Footballer of the Year after inspiring Dessie Farrell’s men to an All-Ireland final win over Kerry.
Is he married?
McCarthy and now wife Clodagh O’Mahony tied the knot at the lavish Luttrellstown Castle Resort, in Co Dublin last December 2021.
Luttrellstown has in the past hosted a number of celebrity weddings over the years, including David and Victoria Beckham.
The couple got engaged in December 2020, shortly after his eighth Celtic Cross, having been in a relationship since 2015.
McCarthy and his wife keep their private like relatively close to hand, but there are photo of the couple on social media at a number of GAA functions.
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In a statement confirming his retirement the 15-year veteran said that it was the ideal time to say goodbye before sending a sweet message to his family.
He said: “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, my 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.”
Does he have any kids?
James and Clodagh welcomed the birth of their first son at the start of February.
Conall Michael McCarthy was born on Sunday, February 25 news that was confirmed by his legendary dad’s club Ballymun Kickhams.
The club said: “We would like to extend our congratulations to James McCarthy and his wife Clodagh on the arrival of baby Conall Michael McCarthy”
Clodagh had broken the news of her pregnancy during the 2023 All-Stars ceremony, at which James won his fifth gong.
Six months pregnant at the time, she revealed to Evoke.ie: ‘We are eight years together and now we have a baby coming.”
Asked if he was nervous about his upcoming life milestone, James said: “I have to get adjusted to sleep and stuff like that, but no, it’ll be fine.”
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