Eight-time All-Ireland winning Dublin star Ciarán Kilkenny announces retirement

James Cox

Dublin's Ciarán Kilkenny has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

The Dublin forward won six All-Stars across a 14-year stint, which also saw him win eight All-Ireland titles, 13 Leinster titles and six National Leagues.

The Castleknock club man said his time in Sky Blue has been the "greatest honour" of his life.

His former teammate and current manager Ger Brennan added that Kilkenny "embodied all that is great in a Dublin inter-county footballer".

The 33-year-old played in Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Kerry.

In a statement, Kilkenny said: "I have been fortunate and privileged to share a dressing room with so many legends of the game and I've made brothers for life. To those beginning your journey with Dublin GAA, I hope it brings you as much fulfilment as it brought me. I look forward to cheering Dublin on for many years. A huge thanks to the Dublin supporters, especially this year, for their loyalty and unstinting support.

"Thank you to Pat Gilroy, Jim Gavin, Dessie Farrell, Ger Brennan, their backroom teams, and everyone in Dublin GAA who gave so much to the jersey. It was a privilege and honour to play even a small part in the long and storied history of this great county.

"My thanks to my club, Castleknock GAA, where it all began, and to every opponent I've had the privilege of playing against. The friendships, stories and sense of community the GAA has given me are worth far more than any result, that’s why I believe it is the greatest organisation in the world.

"Thank you to Finbar, Padraig and everyone at Bradys Arva for your support over the years.

"Most importantly, thank you to my family and my partner Rebekah. From my father instilling in me a love of Dublin and the GAA, to my mother and sisters supporting me every step of the way, none of this would have been possible without you."