TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN pouring in for 18-time All-Ireland champion Rena Buckley, who has announced her retirement from inter-county football and camogie.
The dual player confirmed the news toΒ The42Β this afternoon following an interview with independent.ie over the weekend, in which she discussed her wishes to pursue other things in life beyond sport.
Buckley, who will continue to play both sports at club level, became the most decorated player in GAA history last year after she captained the Cork camogie team to All-Ireland success following a dramatic victory over rivals Kilkenny.
The 10-time All-Star decided to take a year out from inter-county football last year to focus solely on the small ball game for Cork, and her future was undecided after she did not return to either panel at the beginning of this season.
Her decision to leave the inter-county game brings an incredible career to a close and tributes are being posted online in her honour.
πππππ #takeabow @RenaBucks πππ»
— Crazy (@crazyireland82) May 21, 2018
Thank you @RenaBucks What a career you had.
— Fiona Coghlan (@CoghlanFiona) May 21, 2018
Best of luck in retirement to a great of the game @CorkCamogie legend @RenaBucks π π΄βͺοΈπ΄
— Camogie Association (@OfficialCamogie) May 21, 2018
π 7 Camogie All-Ireland titles & 11 Ladies Football All-Ireland Titles
βοΈ 5 All-Stars Awards
π 2017 Players' Player of the Year
Just some of her incredible career achievements!! pic.twitter.com/hfwPgECyLy
Best of luck and thank you to Rena Buckley as she announces her retirement from Inter -County G.A.A - After an outstanding career with both Cork Camogie and football - Winning 11 football and 7 Camogie All Ireland Titles - And 10 All Star Awards! https://t.co/c5hhHlnHSi pic.twitter.com/aPD0HawK4L
— Reardens (@Reardenscork) May 21, 2018
An iconic figure and great athlete. Rena Buckley didn't just improve the teams she played in she improved the sports she played in. #rena https://t.co/alRYQTDzJE
— Oisin Langan (@oisinlangan) May 21, 2018
What a career this woman has had . A true ambassador of our gaelic games. Congratulations on a what can only be described as a phenomenal career #ladyinred #18allirelandmedals pic.twitter.com/eJxTSeeit5
— Diarmuid O'Sullivan (@dsully3) May 21, 2018
When the word fits...legend is right. Congrats @RenaBucks π https://t.co/6SX8h27vtN
— Aoife Lane (@aoifemlane) May 21, 2018
Excellent article on "Rebel Rena " in the Irish independent. ππWell deserved @RenaBucks ππ What a career. What a legend. If this was a male player it'd be all over the news. #legend #somewomanforonewoman pic.twitter.com/hDIplYNcP2
— Ailish Cornyn (@ailishcornyn6) May 20, 2018
18 All Irelands; 10 All Stars; 6 camogie & football doubles; and the only player to captain their county to the summit in both codes. An indelible legacy that will permeate our games forever more. Comhghairdeas @RenaBucks on an INCREDIBLE career - all the best in retirement!β€οΈ pic.twitter.com/FIqqvWgdSP
— Elaine Buckley (@ElaineBucko) May 21, 2018
π
— NoΓ«lle Healy (@NoelleHealy) May 21, 2018
What a career . Weβll never see the likes again (Hopefully π₯) . Congrats @RenaBucks ! https://t.co/DVNhzIXXBU
Rena Buckley, such a phenomenal impact on Irish sport! βοΈ π π΄ https://t.co/ajwgWkJJxV
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) May 21, 2018
There are not enough words to describe what Rena Buckley is to the GAA. The (many) accolades tell one half of the story, but her integrity, humility, drive & commitment tell the other. What an inspirational figure & a true legend of the game. #ThanksRena https://t.co/y5VsK4PN67
— Jacqui Hurley (@jacquihurley) May 21, 2018
What a career. A champion.
— Brian Hurley (@BrianHurley15) May 21, 2018
#18 x π https://t.co/lTrfnThNSx
Congrats on a wonderful career @RenaBucks one of the true greats of the the GAA. A warrior on the pitch and a lady off the pitch. Enjoy retirement #legend #Rena18
— Cora Staunton (@duckie15) May 21, 2018
Best wishes to the incomparable @RenaBucks on her retirement - what a role model for the players of the future @CorkCamogie @CorkLGFA pic.twitter.com/w5GgK5MNxs
— Tracey Kennedy (@Tracey_Cork) May 21, 2018
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