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10 GAA Stars Who Have Stepped Away From Inter-county Football For 2025

10 GAA Stars Who Have Stepped Away From Inter-county Football For 2025
Lee Costello
By Lee Costello Updated
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It feels like there is something in the water at the moment as more and more players are retiring from inter-county football.

Of course, this is the norm for this time of year as players took time away to asses their situation and left it as late as they could before ultimately pulling the plug once and for all.

Some players aren't going as far as retiring, but simply taking a sabbatical, or leaving the country entirely to travel, or play in the Australian Football League.

Either way, the world of Gaelic football will be without these 10 stars in 2025.

1. Brian Fenton

GAA

Definitely the most shocking retirement this year is that of Brian Fenton, as the midfield powerhouse has called it a day at just 31 years of age.

The colossal footballer has never lost a championship game in Leinster, and won two Player of the Year awards in his time as well.

With seven All-Ireland medals, and six All-Stars in his pocket, Fenton may be young, but he has accomplished more than most people can even dream off in his 10 year inter-county career.

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2. James McCarthy

GAA

Arguably the most influential player to ever play for Dublin, James McCarthy retires with a record-breaking nine All-Ireland titles and will go down in history as one of the county's greatest ever servants.

At 34 years of age and injuries catching up with him, the Dublin captain felt that now was the time to hang up his boots.

3. Cillian O'Connor

GAA

Cillian O'Connor is the top scorer in the history of championship football, and it looks like he won't be adding to that record as he has stepped away for the 2025 season.

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It's important to note that he isn't actually retiring, but taking some time away from the panel, so it is possible that we could see the 32 year old wearing the Mayo jersey once again.

4. Chrissy McKaigue

GAA

Former Derry captain Chrissy McKaigue has called time on his career as he helped Derry to league glory in all four divisions throughout his time in the red and white jersey.

The Slaughtneil man was also captain when Derry lifted their first Ulster title 24 years, and then repeated the feat the following year.

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His last game for Derry was up against David Clifford, who he kept to a single point from play, and that tells you how much trust managers still had in him.

5. Padraig O'Hora

GAA

Although there has been no official announcement, there are a lot of reports stating that Padraig O'Hora is set to join Cillian O'Connor, and walk away from Mayo this season.

The dynamic defender had left the panel before to return, so there is a chance that this isn't the end for O'Hora, but it looks like he won't be featuring in 2025.

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6. Liam Kerr

GAA

One of Down's most lethal weapons Liam Kerr is stepping away from Conor Laverty's team in 2025 to go travelling in Australia.

The Burren clubman is lightening quick, has an eye for a goal, and played a big part in helping the Mourne County win The Tailteann Cup last season, so he will be a big miss for Down.

7. Stephen O'Brien

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Stephen O'Brien was one of the stars of Kerry's 2022 All-Ireland winning team, and his impact off the bench in particular in recent years has been massive for Jack O'Connor.

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However, the 33 year old has decided to call time on a great career with The Kingdom, and it leaves another hole in the Kerry team as they prepare fro next season.

8. Adrian Spillane

GAA

At just 30 years of age, Adrian Spillane's decision to retire is a blow for the Kingdom as he still has so much to offer.

However, the forward has struggled to get a run in the starting team in recent years, and the lack of football maybe impacted his decision.

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9. Cillian Burke

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GAA

Cillian Burke has decided that his future belongs in the Australian Football League for the foreseeable, as the young Kerry star was signed by Geelong cats.

The flying forward will join his county man, Mark O'Connor as he tries his arm at professional sport, but he will be sorely missed in Kerry.

10. Eamonn Armstrong

GAA

Eamonn Armstrong was the stand-out star for the Meath u20 team last year, but unfortunately for the Royal county, the Australian scouts noticed him as well.

At only 18 years old, the talented footballer. did enough to impress St Kilda's are keen to try him in the AFL, so those hoping to see him play for the Meath seniors may have to wait a few years.

SEE ALSO: Parnells GAA Club Return Its Pitches To Original Owners After Sad Fall From Grace

 

 

 

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