Jim Gavin has lost one of his most dependable servants.
A sign of how crucial Ger Brennan has been to Dublin football over the years was the talk of his return to the county senior panel after Cian O’Sullivan’s hamstring injury in the build up to the All-Ireland final.
O’Sullivan recovered and Brennan’s return did not come to fruition, but many supporters were hopeful of seeing him in blue once again next season.
However the St Vincent’s man had stepped away from the panel earlier this summer to concentrate fully on remaining fit after a succession of injuries, but it is believed that a recurring Achilles problem is at the root of his decision to call time on his inter-county career.
According to The Herald an official announcement is expected today that the half-back will not line out for his county again.
The 30-year-old won his first All-Ireland medal at centre-back in 2011, and followed it up with his second success against Mayo in 2013.
Congrats on an amazing inter-county career #GerBrennan A real leader both on & off the pitch. @DubGAAOfficial loss is @StVincentsGAA1 gain
— EamonFennell (@EamonFennell) October 5, 2015
Ger Brennan to step down from inter county football. @DubGAAOfficial loss is @StVincentsGAA1 gain. Organised defence well on Sat night.
— Neil (@NeilyMcD) October 5, 2015
We will see him in Blue no more. Ger Brennan has called time on his career with The Dubs after two injury plagued …
Posted by Hill 16 Army on Monday, 5 October 2015
Brennan was in action for his club at the weekend in the Dublin senior club championship win over Ballymun-Kickhams and is understood to be fully committed to club action for the foreseeable future.
Update:
The news has been confirmed this afternoon and the footballer has issued a statement via the GPA website
“It is with both satisfaction and sadness that I announce my retirement from inter-county football. I am sufficiently satisfied that I have fulfilled my boyhood dreams to wear the Dublin Senior Football team jersey and to achieve success on and off the field of play. I also feel sadness that a particular journey of my life is coming to a close, and I will miss everything that is associated with representing my county.
“While the public might measure a team’s success by the trophies raised, I feel I have won far more through the life-long bonds and friendships I have developed with so many players and management throughout my career; and for these I am truly grateful. I have been fortunate to have played for Dublin every year since I was 13 years of age and it has immeasurable enhanced the quality of my life.
“I would like to thank the many people who have influenced my personal, spiritual and sporting development to date. Thanks to Jim Gavin, Pat Gilroy and Pillar Caffrey for placing their faith in me to wear the senior jersey.
“To my club, St. Vincent’s and the many coaches and volunteers who dedicated themselves to my advancement, thank you. A particular thanks to Mickey Whelan, a close friend and a mentor, whose blueprint permeates the person I am today.
“To the Gaelic Players Association for their continued interest in my wellbeing and development, thank you. And to the Dublin County Board and the Dublin supporters, a sincere thank you for all of the support throughout the years.
“Finally, I would like to thank the Dublin players, my friends, my family and especially my parents, Mary and PJ, for always been there for me through good times and in bad.
Le gach dea-ghuí a chairde go léir,
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