The Daily Star Ireland
The Dublin county board has officially announced that Brian Fenton is retiring from inter-county football. This news, revealed last night, has shocked both Dublin and the broader Gaelic football community, as Fenton, at just 31, is still regarded as one of the top players in the country.
The Dublin County Board released a statement this morning at 9:30 am confirming Fenton’s retirement after a decade of exceptional service to Dublin GAA. The statement details Fenton’s impressive career, beginning with his Senior Inter-County debut against Monaghan in the 2015 National League, followed by his championship debut later that year against Longford.
Hailing from Raheny, Fenton played over sixty Senior Championship games for Dublin and was instrumental in the team’s record-setting streak of 45 unbeaten championship games. This remarkable period included Dublin’s unprecedented six consecutive All-Ireland Senior Football Championship victories from 2015 to 2020, with an additional All-Ireland win in 2023.
Fenton’s individual accolades are also highlighted in the statement, noting his GAA/GPA Footballer of the Year awards in 2018 and 2020, along with six All-Star awards.
This announcement comes as another significant blow to Dublin football, following the recent retirement of James McCarthy. Together, Fenton and McCarthy were considered one of the greatest midfield duos in the sport’s history. Despite being at the peak of his career, Fenton’s departure marks a substantial loss for Dublin, particularly as the team faces a period of transition. His exceptional skills and athleticism made him a dominant force in the game, earning widespread admiration.
Fenton’s retirement leaves a significant void in Dublin’s midfield, an area already lacking depth. Twice awarded Footballer of the Year and nominated four times, Fenton’s impact on the game was profound, and his absence will be deeply felt by both his team and fans.
