After 12 years, Dublin defender Darren Daly bid farewell to the Senior Football panel retiring yesterday
The long association of Darren Daly with the Dublin Senior Footballers came to an end yesterday afternoon. The Fingal Ravens club man announced his retirement.
Buttsy, a firm favourite with the faithful Dublin supporters, was loyal to the Inter County set up for 12 years. And in that time Darren was one of the elite who picked up a record seven All Ireland medals during Dublin’s most dominant era in history.
And while Daly spent long periods as a substitute in the set he played a pivotal part of tactics being introduced into the All Ireland Finals in 2013, 2015, the 2016 final and replay, and 2018.
Dublin Senior Footballer Darren Daly has announced his retirement from inter-county football.
Read his statement below.
Thanks for everything @Butsy11 💙 pic.twitter.com/Dovl07pgf7
— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) September 18, 2020
In statement released by Darren on the Official Dublin GAA website Darren wrote…
I’ve had an incredible journey with the Dublin Senior Football Team over the last 12 years. I’ve tried to push the body one more time but unfortunately it’s not to be. With a number of reoccurring injuries over the past few months, it’s now the right time for me to step away.
Firstly, I’d like to thank my family, and particularly my wife Sarah who sacrificed more than anyone to allow me to compete at this level year after year. I’m extremely grateful to have got the opportunity over the years to share some very special moments with my three kids Tadhg, Caolán and Odhrán.
In particular I’d like to thank my teammates. I am extremely lucky to have been part of such a successful team. I’m grateful to have learned so much from being with them, made so many friends for life, and have some of the best memories imaginable.
I’d like to thank the managers, selectors, coaches and physios who guided and pushed me along the way.
Thank you to the dedicated supporters who always created that unique atmosphere, and were there when we needed them.
Finally, I’d like to thank my club Fingal Ravens for their support and encouragement over the years.
Darren