Dublin’s Brian Fenton has claimed that his now-retired teammate James McCarthy is the best player to ever wear a Dublin jersey.
McCarthy (34) decided to hang up his boots after a long, illustrious career that saw him win nine All-Ireland titles, including six consecutive Sam Maguire Cups, as well as countless other titles with Dublin.
In a statement released this week on the Dublin GAA website, McCarthy said, “I have decided to retire from representing Dublin GAA at the inter-county level. This decision hasn’t been an easy one to make, but I feel it’s the right time.
“I have been very fortunate to be involved in a golden period for Dublin GAA, and I have played with the most incredible group of players. It really has been some of the best days of my life, and I have memories to last a lifetime. The loyalty and friendship we have built is something I will always be thankful for.
“To the Dublin fans, thank you for your support of the team throughout the years. Walking around Croke Park and passing Hill 16 is a memory that I will never forget.”
A number of tributes have been paid this week to the Ballymun Kickhams clubman, and Fenton, another Dublin captain and icon, believes McCarthy is the greatest Dublin player ever and we will ever see.
Fenton said on his X account, “The greatest Dublin player we will ever see.”
Fans agreed with Fenton’s sentiments on X, with one saying, “He is one of the most brilliant footballers Dublin ever had. I wish him well in his retirement. I really miss the Dublin-Kerry matches,” while another added, “Another one of the greats gone. Watching him play in the championship recently, he still glides around the pitch. I actually thought we might get another season out of him. Like Dean, gone too soon.”