Dublin great: Brian Fenton
The Dublin senior football panel is set for a significant overhaul with mounting speculation that Brian Fenton’s shock retirement from inter-county football may not be the last.
Rumours of Fenton’s opt-out had grown legs around the capital over recent weeks, as had talk of a number of others going before the start of next season.
It has already been reported that Stephen Cluxton will not be available next year, while the future of fellow nine-time All-Ireland medallist Mick Fitzsimons won’t be clear until after Cuala’s Leinster and possible All-Ireland club campaign has concluded.
As yet, there is no indication whether Jack McCaffrey and Paul Mannion, both of whom returned in 2023 after two years out, will continue for 2025.
John Small, another of that group of players born in 1993 who brought so much success to Dublin over the last decade, has also been the subject of recent speculation.
With James McCarthy retired, it is inevitable now that Dublin are entering a significant period of change, losing a tranche of influential players in one go.
Dublin’s need for reinforcements has led to Eoghan O’Donnell, the former Dublin hurling captain, opting to play football for the year.
Davy Byrne is back from a year spent travelling while former Brisbane Lion James Madden is also set to be part of the squad for the first time.
Dublin GAA chairman Mick Seavers paid tribute to Fenton in a statement yesterday: “Brian was an integral figure in the incredible success enjoyed by Dublin over the past decade.
“He is a hugely talented footballer and fan favourite who will forever be considered one of the greatest players to grace the field in a blue jersey.
“We thank Brian for his unwavering commitment to Dublin football. We wish him and his family all the best going forward and look forward to welcoming him back to Parnell Park as he continues to play with his club Raheny.”
