While inter-county GAA stars might largely fall out of public consciousness after they step away from that level, many of them continue to soldier on for their clubs for a number of years after that point.
There have been countless cases of that ilk down through the years, with Johnny Doyle perhaps the best example in the sport at the moment.
The legendary Kildare player made his last inter-county appearance over nine years ago, bowing out in 2014 after spending 14 years with the squad. He would win Leinster title during this period, as well as winning an all-star in 2010.
Johnny Doyle helps club into Kildare championship semi-final
Now 45-years old, Johnny Doyle is still tipping away at club level. Players of his age may be a rarity, but Allenwood are certainly delighted to still have him in the fold.
Yesterday provided the latest example of what he still has to offer. With Allenwood facing Caragh in a quarter-final of the Kildare Intermediate Football Championship, Doyle would step up to produce a monster score at the death to send the game to extra-time.
Kildare legend Johnny Doyle with an equalising point for @allenwood_gfc with the last kick of the game against Caragh in the Q/F of the Kildare Gaa IFC today.
Allenwood went on to win the game after extra time on a score of 2-14 to 1-11. @KildareFan2023 @SmallerFishGAA pic.twitter.com/Z5jF1fdMsM— Robert Cox (@extratime_sport) September 23, 2023
His club would go on to secure the win after the additional periods of play.
Allenwood have been operating at intermediate level for a number of years now and will be hoping to secure a return for to the senior ranks in the near future. They have won one Kildare county title at that level, with Johnny Doyle part of the team that won the championship in 2004.
Now in his mid-40s, Doyle has been a mainstay in the team for almost three decades. In fact, he went on a remarkable run of not missing a championship game for his club for over 27 years before that streak was brought to an end last year.
With a semi-final now on the horizon, he will be hoping to help the club produce one or two more memorable occasions during the twilight of his career.
SEE ALSO: Dublin's 2013 All-Ireland Winners - Where Are They Now?
