A persistent back complaint has forced six-time Dublin All-Ireland winner Paul Flynn to bring the curtain down on his illustrious inter-county career.

The 32-year-old Fingallians clubman underwent back surgery last year but his recovery has not gone according to plan and he will now watch from the stands this summer as his Dublin team-mates aim to create history by claiming a Sam Maguire Cup five-in-a-row.

Currently Chief Executive of the Gaelic Players Association, Flynn also won 10 Leinster SFC medals and four All-Star awards in the Sky Blue jersey.

“After 12 proud years wearing the Dublin jersey I have made the difficult decision to step away from the Dublin football panel,” he revealed in a statement this morning.

“It’s an enormous privilege to play for your county and I feel incredibly lucky and proud that I got to play for Dublin for as long as I have. Dublin football has played a huge part in my life and I will be forever grateful for all that it has given me.

“I was honoured to train and play alongside exceptional teammates week in week out, to have enjoyed the support of extraordinary managers over the years and to have had the support of dedicated, world class backroom teams.

“I’m grateful for all that they’ve taught me over the years and for the lifelong friendships that I made along the way. My football career started and ended with the support of my club, my family and my friends and to them I am eternally grateful.

“Since my back surgery last year I’ve struggled to reach the fitness required for inter county and to reach the standards that I set for myself. While my heart says play on unfortunately my body says it’s time to call it a day.

“I’ve loved every minute of my journey with Dublin football and to have played in front of its dedicated and passionate supporters has allowed me to make memories that I will cherish forever. I move on now with gratitude to the next chapter of my life.”

Tweet

Most Read Stories