Dublin's Paul Flynn retires from inter-county football

Ahead of what may be a record-breaking year for Dublin, six-time All-Ireland winner Paul Flynn has this morning announced his retirement from inter-county football.

In a statement released by the Fingallians man, Flynn cited persistent injury-problems as a contributing factor to his decision.

"After 12 proud years wearing the Dublin jersey I have made the difficult decision to step away from the Dublin football panel," Flynn's statement reads.

"It’s an enormous privilege to play for your county and I feel incredibly lucky and proud that I got to play for Dublin for as long as I have.

"Dublin football has played a huge part in my life and I will be forever grateful for all that it has given me.

"I was honoured to train and play alongside exceptional teammates week in week out, to have enjoyed the support of extraordinary managers over the years and to have had the support of dedicated, world class backroom teams.

"I’m grateful for all that they’ve taught me over the years and for the lifelong friendships that I made along the way. My football career started and ended with the support of my club, my family and my friends and to them I am eternally grateful.

"Since my back surgery last year I’ve struggled to reach the fitness required for inter county and to reach the standards that I set for myself. While my heart says play on unfortunately my body says it’s time to call it a day.

"I’ve loved every minute of my journey with Dublin football and to have played in front of its dedicated and passionate supporters has allowed me to make memories that I will cherish forever. I move on now with gratitude to the next chapter of my life."

In a stellar career with the Dubs, Paul Flynn won as many as six All-Ireland winners medals and four All-Star awards.