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Richard Dunne announces his retirement from Ireland duty

The player earned 80 caps for his country, scoring eight goals in the process.

RICHARD DUNNE HAS tonight announced his retirement from international football, the FAI have confirmed.

The QPR and Ireland defender earned 80 caps for his country, scoring eight goals in the process.

He was also included in the squads for both the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2012, but will perhaps be remembered most for his inspirational performance in the qualifying match for the latter tournament against Russia in Moscow, where he helped his side earn a vital 0-0 draw.

Speaking following the announcement, Dunne said: “Retiring from international football has been an extremely difficult decision for me to make.

“I have represented Ireland since I was 15 and have thoroughly enjoyed all the highs & lows that have come with playing for my country.

“I will continue to support the team as they embark upon their new campaign under Martin O’Neill and have every faith that they will qualify.

“I’d like to thank everyone I worked alongside during my time with Ireland, from managers to players to backroom staff.

“A special mention also goes to the fans. Their support has been immense, and I will always be grateful to them. I have so many great memories, that will stay with me forever.’”

Ireland manager Martin O’Neill said: “Richard has been a remarkable player for both club and country. I had the pleasure of working with him at Aston Villa, where he had a big influence on the field. He has consistently given 100% every time he has been called on by his country also. I wish him all the best in his club career.”

In addition, FAI CEO John Delaney added:

“Richard has been a tremendous servant to his country, and is truly a player for Ireland to be proud of. I will never forget his performance in Moscow, which was instrumental in winning us qualification for Euro 2012. Richard and his family, particularly his parents Dick and Phyllis, will always be welcome guests in Aviva Stadium.

“On behalf of the Association, I would like to wish him and his family the very best for the future.’

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46 Comments
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    Mute Keith Bourke
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:40 PM

    Legend

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    Mute Kate Ellen Egan
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    Aug 1st 2014, 12:31 AM

    Thanks Richard , you were always brilliant for Ireland A tireless player , never gave up , a true patriotic hero …

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    Mute Ger O'Brien
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:42 PM

    Top servant for his Country. All the best Honey Monster!

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    Mute Aidan Kelliher
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:43 PM

    Moscow!

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    Mute gerbreen
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:55 PM

    Exactly what I thought. What the man lacked in any attribute my attitude got him through.

    Thanks Richard.

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    Mute gerbreen
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:57 PM

    HIS attitude ..

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    Mute Emmet O'Donnell
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:41 PM

    Sorry to see the dunny monster go. Legend!

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    Mute Andrew Hickey
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:45 PM

    What do ya say. Determination personified. Well done on a brilliant Irish career.

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    Mute Mr Phil Officer
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:54 PM

    Dunne says to trap “bring on more Russians” trap says “there are no more Russians”. Legend

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    Mute Paul Mc
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    Jul 31st 2014, 10:09 PM

    An absolute gentleman hope he plays for a while longer .

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    Mute Ray Doyle
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:42 PM

    Sad to see the honey monster go. What a LEGEND!!!

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    Mute Padraig Stapleton
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:46 PM

    Ah no! Immense defender for Ireland, one of the best. Thanks for everything Honey Monster!

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    Mute Irishoversea
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:46 PM

    Gutted hoping we get another few game out of him.. Legend of a man tho will go down as a great for me..

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    Mute Dan
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:45 PM

    Disaster.

    Legend though

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    Mute chalk8down
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    Jul 31st 2014, 10:26 PM

    Paul McGrath had the Roberto Baggio tackle. Packie Bonner had the grimace prior to punting the ball down field to Niall Quinn against the Dutch. Ray Houghton put the ball in an English net. Roy Keane gave Marc Overmars to an Irish welcome. Richard Dunne’s masterpiece was his 90 mins. in Moscow where without him it could easily have been 5 or 6 zip. Replacing him will be a very difficult task indeed…

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    Mute Peter Kenny
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:47 PM

    He is a big loss to the squad as he was a class act and Ireland don’t have many if any class acts left, best of luck to him.

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    Mute Chief
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:58 PM

    Please tell me he has a hape of kids?

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    Mute sean ruane
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:47 PM

    Great player for us over the years and will be badly missed for the euros coming up.would have played in any era for Ireland

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    Mute Kev O Dowd
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:49 PM

    Time to draw the Iron curtain. Some man!

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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    Jul 31st 2014, 9:02 PM

    Always felt comfortable with him in the team, gave 100% and you always felt the pride & humility he had wearing the green jersey. Good luck & I hope to see you on the panel some day.

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    Mute phooey
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:57 PM

    We’re fecked without him a legend

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    Mute Thomas Quinn
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    Jul 31st 2014, 9:01 PM

    Never forget his outstanding performance against Russia. Happy retirement.

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    Mute Sergeant Yates
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    Jul 31st 2014, 9:13 PM

    Thanks for the great memories a true irish legend with giles keane brady mcgrath et al.

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    Mute Peter - County Arms
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    Jul 31st 2014, 8:50 PM

    I’m nervous that he’s started listening to Rio already. First step international retirement, next step Dunnmeister Records

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    Mute Micheál Lenihan
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    Jul 31st 2014, 9:25 PM

    Thanks for all the memories Richard. Will take that performance in Moscow to the grave with me. Iconic image that night

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    Mute Eddie Byrne
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    Jul 31st 2014, 9:14 PM

    Great player and served Ireland well

    52
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    Mute Stephen O Flynn
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    Jul 31st 2014, 9:23 PM

    Gutted . We actually have no centre backs especially big strong ones

    51
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    Mute Neil Crowley
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    Jul 31st 2014, 10:20 PM

    To be fair we have no mid-fielders or forwards either.

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    Mute Irish Red
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    Jul 31st 2014, 10:47 PM

    Ha ha ha

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    Mute Ciarán Delaney
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    Jul 31st 2014, 9:46 PM

    One of the most determined players to wear the green. Will be missed

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    Mute David o'neill
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    Jul 31st 2014, 10:01 PM

    Absolute legend and a beast and then there was Moscow !!!!!

    27
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    Mute Mick Madden
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    Jul 31st 2014, 10:34 PM

    Total man legend and player . Watched at villa park what a fantastic role model. Sorry but just one step behind god paul Mcgrath !

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    Mute Gerry Murphy
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    Jul 31st 2014, 11:53 PM

    They don’t seem to be as popular as they once were but please FAI do the right thing and throw him a testimonial at some point . A true warrior . The big names will be lining up to play in that one .

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    Mute Mr Phil Officer
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    Aug 1st 2014, 1:42 AM

    I agree, he should get a match. A National hero.

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    Mute Dylan Neary
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    Jul 31st 2014, 10:05 PM

    We’re dunne for so

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    Mute Gav Rowe
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    Jul 31st 2014, 10:21 PM

    Send on more Richard Dunne’s….
    Sadly, there are no more!!!!

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    Mute Padraig Looby
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    Jul 31st 2014, 10:37 PM

    A big loss. Great defender down the years for Ireland. Always gave it everything.

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    Mute Dermot Quinn
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    Jul 31st 2014, 11:43 PM

    At least Stephen ward will get more games. Oh…fffuuu

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    Mute Toast
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    Jul 31st 2014, 9:04 PM

    The own goal king has hung up the international boots. All the best champ. Legend!

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    Mute Ray rogers
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    Jul 31st 2014, 11:07 PM

    Still a good player but we’d need another 10 like him to even have the makings of a half decent side.

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    Mute James Molloy
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    Aug 1st 2014, 4:30 AM

    What a player four years in a row City’ player of the year…eighth Premier League red card…a record..but most of all an Irish Legend who can never again holiday in Russia!!!

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    Mute Conor
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    Jul 31st 2014, 9:05 PM

    He’s Shite, Gerrard is a true legend

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    Mute Sergeant Yates
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    Jul 31st 2014, 9:14 PM

    Yeah him and bebe.

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    Mute Jack Freeman
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    Jul 31st 2014, 9:30 PM

    WTF conor?

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    Mute gerbreen
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    Jul 31st 2014, 9:45 PM

    His brother Gerrard?

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    Mute Dannster
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    Jul 31st 2014, 11:46 PM

    fat bollix

    3
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