Peter Kelly retired from inter-county hurling over the weekend citing a desire to squeeze the maximum from his club career. The Lucan Sarsfields player has suffered persistent injury problems over recent times, forcing him to make the decision aged just 29.
Kelly won a Leinster Championship in 2013 and won an All-Star that same year. He also claimed a National League title in 2011. After leaving the Dublin panel last year, Kelly made his comeback to the panel with the arrival of Pat Gilroy.
"He was an outstanding fullback," said Dublin selector Anthony Cunningham at the launch of the Leinster Hurling Championship on Thursday.
When Dublin won their Leinster Championship in 2013 he was outstanding, but for several years he was brilliant.
He was back with us and had trained with us since before Christmas, we had hoped that he would overcome those injuries. He was given every chance, we were delighted and he was delighted with his progress, but towards the finish, the amount and the volume of work was pretty difficult for him.
He made up his mind that he was going to concentrate on his club which is right to prolong his career. Everyone wants to continue to play hurling as long as they can. It is a loss for the Dublin inter-county team.
Cunningham also confirmed that four players from two-in-a-row All-Ireland club champions Cuala will be joining the Dublin panel.
"We have Sean Moran back in, Cian O'Callaghan, Jake Malone, and David Treacy. We are really happy, they've had a tremendous two years, we are happy to have them back in.
"They were given a small break obviously after the club games and for us they are going to add significant experience.
"Liam Rushe is back training with us and in the later part of the league we also had Danny Sutcliffe, who wasn't playing last year. All in all we are happy with what we have got."
Picture credit: Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE
