KILDARE FORWARD JOHNNY DOYLE is hanging up his boots after a 14-year inter-county career with the Lillywhites.
The 37-year old has cited family commitments for his decision to step down before Kildare’s Leinster Championship campaign gets under way.
In a statement issued through the Gaelic Players Association website, the Allenwood forward said:
“I wish to announce my retirement from county football today. I make this decision very reluctantly but do so based on my family commitments.
“It has been a great privilege for me to have worn the Kildare jersey for the past 15 years and a wonderful honour to have soldiered with and against so many great players.”
The statement goes on to thank his club and wish his former county colleagues well for the future.
“I have played for Kildare under five different managers and I would like to pay tribute to all five for placing their faith in me as a footballer. Thanks also to the various management teams and backroom staff for their support and kindness over the years.
“Finally I would like to wish Jason Ryan, his management team and the current Kildare squad the very best of luck for the championship season 2014 and indeed on into the future.”
Doyle won a Leinster Championship in his first season with Kildare in 2000 but, despite his best efforts — top scorer in the All-Ireland Championship in both 2008 and 2010, and picking up an All-Star four years ago — Kildare have only won a Division 2 title (2012) in the intervening years.
He was named Kildare footballer of the year in 2004 and 2005 and won the county championship with Allenwood in 2004.
Best of luck Johnny. Great footballer.
Legend
Best of luck in your retirement Johnny !!
Great player
Great footballer , never stopped till the final whistle , best of luck Johnny .
A class footballer. Best of luck in the future
Great footballer. All the best in retirement
Top player , would make a good pundit very honest
A truly great footballer. Being a Dubs supporter I’ll be glad to see the back of him.
I don’t know much about Gaelic Football, but I met Johnny last year (not knowing who he was) and he is such a gentleman. He seems like just a decent guy. Best of luck to him
Great servant.. A lilywhite legend!!!
I love that white bit on the tip of his hair
All the best to Johnny Doyle in retirement. Quality player and by all accounts a gentleman away from football also.
Brilliant footballer. Best of luck in your retirement