AFTER AN INTER-COUNTY career that saw him pick up 11 Leinster titles, three Allstars and three All-Irelands, Alan Brogan has announced his retirement.
The 33-year old made more than 60 appearances for Dublin in a 14-year spell, winning three Allianz National Football League titles along the way.
In a statement issued on the Dublin GAA website today, the St. Oliver Plunketts/Eoghan Ruadh forward said that representing Dublin had given him “immense satisfaction and joy, both the good days and the bad.
He spoke of how, as a 13-year old, he sat in the Lower Hogan Stand and watched in awe as John O’Leary lifted the Sam Maguire and how that set him on a path to the Dublin senior side.
However, all good things must come to an end and the one-time Footballer of the Year said:
Today I would like to announce my retirement from inter-county football. I leave behind a wonderfully gifted football team but take with me many great memories, friendships and bonds.
“I would like to thank all the players that I soldiered with and against, and the managers and mentors who have guided me from an early age when I began the pursuit of my sporting dreams.
“I would like to pay particular thanks to Tommy Lyons, Pillar Caffrey, Pat Gilroy and Jim Gavin, whose commitment to the Dublin cause was an inspiration to me and my team-mates over the years.”
Brogan also had special praise for the Dublin supporters:
“Lastly to the Dublin supporters and Hill 16, thank you for the unwavering support during my time playing in blue.
“You helped to create some of the greatest sporting occasions this country has ever seen. I have always claimed that you are the greatest fans in the world. Thanks for the memories.
I am privileged to have represented this great county in over 70 championship games. I will miss the camaraderie in the dressing room, the drive through Fairview on championship days and not to mention Croke Park with a full house.
“However, I now look forward to taking my place amongst the Dublin fans and supporting my heroes again for many years to come.”
More to follow…
