And now the end is near.
Retiring is never easy for the sportsperson, but no-one ever thinks of that lonely fan stuck with a tattoo of John Mullane for the rest of their life after they announce their inter-county career is over.
Sportspeople’s departures from the biggest stage affects everyone a little differently, and in 2015 we have waved goodbye to so many great men and women who will never wear county – or in some cases club – colours again.
Alan Brogan (Dublin)
He quits the Dublin senior side with three All-Ireland medals but soldiered in a relatively barren period for Dublin for more than half of his 14-year career.
One of the best forwards of his generation, the tribute from a man who faced him more often than most was perfect.
Congrats @alanbrogan13 Gave me a few tough days in HQ ! Was lucky to play with and against. Deserves all the plaudits. What a career !
— Marc Ó Sé (@osemarc2) December 15, 2015
Lar Corbett (Tipperary)
The former hurler of the year called it quits again in 2015 and this time it’s for good. Eamon O’Shea opened his potential through slick movement and forward interchange, and his hat-trick in 2010 will forever make him a Premier legend. Tommy Walsh of course will be always mentioned in the same breath as him too.
What a contribution and consistently delivered on the big day during my 3 years as manager…. https://t.co/rx4q5HslaP
— Liam Sheedy (@LiamLsheedy) November 21, 2015
Anna Geary (Cork)
The former Cork captain quit the sport arguably at the peak of her powers. A legend of camogie as well as a fans’ favourite means she is destined to become an advocate for Irish women’s sport in years to come.
https://twitter.com/Ellen2me/status/595705377792126976
Alan Byrne (Wicklow)
It wasn’t all big names that quit. Wicklow hero and veteran Alan Byrne also left behind the inter-county scene in 2015. His presence will be missed, but so will the best nickname in all of the GAA
'Shovels' finally packed her in 👎🏾 …loved going to war with this lad, what a man #Shovels https://t.co/PqecYWmzQa
— Daragh O'Sullivan (@TheSluman13) November 27, 2015
Conor O’ Mahony (Tipperary)
Unlucky to only win one All-Ireland medal when his talent deserved so many more. Not many tougher players have ever worn the blue and gold, you know you’ve made it when Eddie Brennan pays you this compliment
Good luck to Conor Mahoney for retirement tough customer with no reverse gear
— Eddie Brennan (@NedzerB13) November 13, 2015
Padraig Joyce (Galway)
Left-footed by birth and by trade, his finest moment was in 2001 All-Ireland final when he kicked a point off his right under the nose of Darren Fay. Powerful and classy, Galway football’s modern day prince.
All the best in retirement to Killererin legend and former All-Ireland winner with @Galway_GAA, Padraig Joyce! pic.twitter.com/Rpn5m7FmwK
— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) November 23, 2015
Damien Hayes (Galway)
If he had been born ten years earlier, or maybe even five years later, Hayes would certainly have an All-Ireland medal. Talent to burn, skill and a daring fearlessness that lit up Croke Park on so many occasions. Loved playing Kilkenny; they hated facing him. He wasn’t bad against Cork either.
Declan O’Sullivan (Kerry)
His final act as a footballer was to help his team win a Kerry senior title. Shocking to think he is only 31 and totally finished with football. Once booed by his own fans, but still collected Sam Maguire in the same autumn.
https://twitter.com/SuibhneGeilt1/status/676737622438510592
James Woodlock (Tipperary)
We are still struggling to really explain why the Kilkenny based Garda quit the Tipperary panel. A wonderful engine and ability to get scores, his wristy style of hurling will be missed, as well as his aggression.
https://twitter.com/johnodwyer14/status/667137833912672257
Rory Jacob (Wexford)
Brian Cody’s reign as Kilkenny manger meant an awful lot of hurlers rarely got a chance at Leinster success. Jacob did get his hands on Bob O’Keefe, but only once, in 2004. Great hands as well as the ability to pick off key scores, in his prime a key man for the Yellowbellies.
Paul Barden (Longford)
The second last man to play football in the 1990s (Dick Clerkin debuted in 1999) called it quits earlier this year after injury finally claimed him from the inter-county scene. A legend in Longford and the GAA in general.
Paul barren an absolute marvellous footballer. Seen him first hand cutting wreck many times. Great direct runner. Another good one gone!!!
— Tomás Ó Sé (@tomas5ky) February 4, 2015
Niall Moran (Limerick)
Not an unexpected retirement after he was subbed in the National League game against Waterford in the spring, the Ahane man stepped away after admitting the pace of hurling had gone beyond him in his second spell with the Shannonsiders.
Another true @officialgaa star has retired.Niall Moran, like his brother,Ollie, gave tremendous service to @AhaneGAAClub @LimerickCLG. Hero.
— Seán Kelly MEP (@SeanKellyMEP) February 19, 2015
Ger Brennan (Dublin)
Another player whose career ended too early due to injury. He is now in the role of the late Dave Billings at UCD, the teak-tough defender was arguably a player who would have easily fitted into the no-nonsense Dubs teams of the 1970s and 80s.
Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)
The ‘King’ hung up his Kilkenny hurl after months of speculation in the spring, but did still turn out for his club Ballyhale later in 2015. Croke Park may never see him again, but for the dozens of time he graced its sod, his feats of skill, and pure bull thickness at times, won’t be forgotten.
Henry Shefflin leaving press conference with all his medals! Joy to watch him play the game. Will go down as the best pic.twitter.com/kkgHjPaBGu
— Mark McHugh (@MarkMcHugh1) March 25, 2015
Paul Curran (Tipperary)
Cut by Eamon O’Shea after the league, the 33-year made his decision to quit inter county hurling public in May. Another who was unfortunate to only finish his career with one All-Ireland medal, he quickly made the move to O’Shea’s backroom team as a defensive coach.
https://twitter.com/normaxx07/status/594056568846557184
Gary Connaughton (Westmeath)
He came out of retirement and then retired again in the space of a few months for his native Westmeath, the legendary goalkeeper answered the call of his county in a time of need. The last of a dying breed of the charismatic but brilliant GAA ‘keepers.
Gary Connaughton has retired from inter-county football for a second time. Having originally called it a day in 2013 pic.twitter.com/D5GpvvU7NH
— The Gaelic Game (@gaelicgame1884) December 4, 2015
Stephen Lucey (Limerick)
The 35-year was one of the few dual players left in GAA but the Croom man leaves behind a 17 -year career with his native county.
Suffered devastating losses at the hands of Kerry in the mid 2000s in football, while in 2007 he lost a Munster and All-Ireland final with the hurlers. One of the best defenders in Munster for a decade.
Best of luck to Stephen Lucey on his retirement- loyal servant of Limerick GAA and a great friend to all who played with him over the years
— OLLIE MORAN (@olmorfs) November 24, 2015
Kevin Reilly (Meath)
The former Meath captain quit in October as his time for the Royals ended with a whimper and was yet another who bowed out primarily due to injury.
Made his debut straight out of minor and claimed a Leinster title in 2010.
