Lucan Sarsfields Johnny McCaffrey end his Dublin Senior Hurling career after more than a decade.
The memory of Dublin capturing the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship in 2013. Something that will live long in the hearts of the thousands of supporters around the county and indeed beyond.
The glory days under the watchful eye of then manager Anthony Daly. And the battling spirit of the boys in blue was epitomised by their captain, Johnny McCaffrey.
That year they’d clawed their way through two games against Wexford in the Quarter Finals. Two more against against Kilkenny in the Semi Finals. And finally beat Galway by a massive twelve points to clinch the Bob O’Keefe Cup
But today, 31 year old McCaffrey called time on his twelve year stint in the blue and navy.
Right from his debut in 2006, McCaffrey was a formidable midfielder. And during his time with the panel, Dublin won their first national league title since 1939 and their first Leinster title in 53 years.
As Official Dublin GAA rightly pointed out today, Johnny McCaffrey was a devoted member of the Dublin Senior Panel.
A devoted member of the Dublin senior Hurling team for more than a decade, @Johnnymc11 has now decided to retire from inter-county hurling. We thank him for his hard-work & dedication in the Dublin jersey, and we wish him all the best in the years to come 👏💙#UpTheDubs pic.twitter.com/gzX1qQ3wgt
— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) December 6, 2018
Here is Johnny’s full statement released today:
“I would like to announce that I am retiring from the Dublin senior hurling team. I feel very fortunate and lucky to have represented Dublin since I was 13 making my senior debut in 2006.
“I would like to thank Tommy Naughton for giving me my debut. I would like to thank Anthony Daly and his management team for giving me the massive honour of captaining my county for 4 years, making history along the way. We in Dublin hurling owe a lot to Dalo for getting us back competing at the top table. I would also like to thank Pat Gilroy and his management team for the work they did over the last 12months in getting Dublin back on track.” I was very lucky to have played with some of the best hurlers that Dublin has ever produced. I made some great friends, won silverware and created memories that will last us a lifetime.”
“I would like to thank my club Lucan Sarsfields for supporting me through my inter county career and look forward to focusing my full energy on the club from now on.”
“I would like to thank my family especially my parents Sandra and Sean and brother Matthew without their support and encouragement over the years through good times and bad none of this would have been possible. Also a special mention to my Nan who was my no1 supporter. I want to thank my wife Paula Jean for her unwavering support and understanding in helping me be the best player I can be.”
“Finally I want to wish Mattie his management and all the players the very best for the 2019 season. I look forward to supporting you all the way. Cheers Johnny. Up the dubs.”
