Lucan Sarsfields hurler Peter Kelly has announced his retirement from the Dublin panel at the age of just 29, citing the longevity of his club career with Sarsfields as his primary reason.
Kelly was a part of Anthony Daly’s 2013 Leinster title winning Dublin side, one of three Dublin players to make All Star that year as a result.
He had been in and out of the panel under Ger Cunningham and Pat Gilroy over the past year or so. Gilroy had recalled Kelly over recent months but he hadn’t made the field in sky blue in 2018, due to a knee injury.
In announcing his decision to put aside county commitments, Kelly posted on social media on Sunday: “I would like to announce I am stepping away from the Dublin hurling team.
“I have loved every minute of wearing the Dublin jersey. It’s been a great honour to wear the blue jersey for so many years and play alongside a great bunch of lads.For the longevity of my club career, this is the right choice for me.
“I also want to thank Pat for the opportunity this year, and wish the team the best of luck for the year ahead.”
Sarsfields look very likely to progress from their Dublin Senior A Championship Group 4, having played two games of the three this month.
The Lucan men saw off Crumlin by a score of 1-25 to 1-12, and followed up with another emphatic win over Ballinteer St John, 0-23 to 1-12.
They have Setanta still to play, but are heavy odds on to progress to the last eight.
Sarsfields club chairman Ben Murphy released a statement on behalf of the club on Kelly’s retirement, saying: “On behalf of Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club, we would like to offer Peter Kelly our support following his decision to retire from Dublin.”
“As our only All Star, the club has always been immensely proud of Peter and what he has achieved with Dublin.
“We are sure it was a tough decision for Peter but one he has to take for himself, and if it allows him to play for longer we will see the benefits. He is a great asset to our club.
“Only this week Peter was at Under-14 hurling training offering support and encouragement to our Féile teams.”
