Advertisement

Readers like you keep news free for everyone.

More than 5,000 readers have already pitched in to keep free access to The Journal.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away.

Support us today
Not now
Thursday 28 September 2023 Dublin: 14°C

# CALLING IT A DAY

This year
2023
Cesc Fabregas announces retirement after trophy-laden career
The midfielder won two Premier League titles and another in LaLiga, plus a World Cup and two European Championships with Spain.
Scotland rugby star Greig Laidlaw announces retirement at 37
The scrum half won 76 caps for his country, 39 of them as captain.
Former England international Chris Ashton to retire from rugby
The 36-year-old is to call time on an 18-year career.
'So long' - John 'Bubbles' O'Dwyer retires from inter-county hurling
Skilful forward from Killenaule calls time, aged 31.
Last year
2022
Long-serving Limerick goalkeeper Barry Hennessy announces retirement
Westmeath footballer Ger Egan – ‘one of our most gifted forwards’ – has also called time.
‘The time is right’ – Former Spurs and England winger Aaron Lennon retires
Attacking player made his professional debut in 2003.
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Mikel announces retirement aged 35
The Nigerian won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, the Champions League, the Europa League and the League Cup in 11 years at Stamford Bridge.
Lack of enthusiasm for Newcastle move told Ben Foster it was time to retire
The former Manchester United goalkeeper has decided to finish a career spanning almost two decades.
'A great way to end my career' - Ex-Ireland defender McShane retires to coach at Man United
The 36-year-old returned to his first senior club as an academy player-coach last year.
Ireland, Leinster and Lions legend Sean O'Brien announces his decision to retire
The flanker was a key player as Ireland won the 2015 Six Nations championship and also played in the 2011 and 2015 World Cups.
Former Wales and Lions hooker Richard Hibbard retires at 38
Hibbard featured in all three Tests during the British and Irish Lions series win in Australia in 2013.
All time
Dan Martin announces retirement from professional cycling at the end of the season
“I feel that the time is right to move on as I want to achieve so many other things in life,” said Martin.
England international Jack Clifford forced into retirement at 27
The back-row forward dislocated his shoulder while playing for Harlequins last September.
'I've been blessed to have had a wonderful career' - Barry Geraghty announces retirement
Twice a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Geraghty also won the 2003 Grand National.
Galway and Corofin stalwart Kieran Fitzgerald announces retirement
The 39-year-old won four All-Ireland titles with his club in a career spanning four decades.
Nine-time Cork All-Ireland winner confirms retirement from inter-county camogie
‘It’s almost like a really bad break-up because it’s the only thing I’ve known all my life.’
Former unified world bantamweight champion Ryan Burnett retires aged 27
The Belfast native confirmed his retirement in a statement on Friday evening.
World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger announces retirement aged 35
The legendary German midfielder helped Bayern secure a historic treble in 2013.
Ex-Everton and Man United goalkeeper Tim Howard ends 21-year playing career
The 40-year-old earned 121 caps for the US, hung up his gloves on Sunday night.
Ex-Man United and Spurs striker Berbatov announces retirement at 38
The former Bulgaria captain also had spells with the likes of Bayer Levekusen, Fulham and Monaco.
Mayo's Cafferkey announces inter-county retirement after 104 appearances
The full-back won six Connacht senior football championships during his inter-county career.
'I think he's making a huge mistake' - Northern Ireland midfielder retires from international football at 28
Sheffield United’s Oliver Norwood earned 57 international caps but wants to concentrate on his club career.
Rob Green retires after lifting Europa League trophy in full kit despite not being in Chelsea squad
The former England goalkeeper has decided to hang up his gloves at the age of 39.
Ex-France fullback Spedding announces retirement at 33
The South-African born back won 23 caps for France.
Saracens winger to retire at the end of the season after 17-year career
David Strettle started the Premiership club’s Champions Cup win over Munster last weekend.
'A true warrior of our game': Aussie great Horwill to retire
The 62-time capped second row is hoping to bow out on a high by helping Harlequins to the Premiership title.
Argentina star Gonzalo Higuain confirms retirement from international football
The forward has not featured for the Albiceleste since their World Cup exit in Russia last summer.
New England Patriots' tight end Rob Gronkowski announces retirement aged 29
The New Yorker has called it a day after securing his third Super Bowl championship in February.
'It's been epic': Ireland striker Jonathan Walters announces retirement from football aged 35
The forward scored 14 goals in 54 international appearances for Ireland.
Starting out under Micko, 17 seasons with Kildare and the story behind the nickname of Leper
Eamonn Callaghan reflects on his long Kildare career after retiring this year.
Wimbledon finalist Radwanska announces retirement aged 29
The Poland native cited health issues as the reason behind her decision.
'The objective is my long-term health' - Ulster second row retires aged 30 following concussion concerns
Pete Browne confirmed his retirement on Tuesday after three seasons spent at Kingspan Stadium.
Former Ireland International Player of the Year Karen Duggan announces retirement aged 27
The Peamount footballer made her Ireland debut in 2013 and has also secured All-Ireland camogie titles with Kilkenny.
The longest serving inter-county footballer confirms retirement after 19 seasons
Ryan McCluskey made his Fermanagh debut in 2000 and was an integral figure on route to the All-Ireland semi-finals in 2004.
After a four-year stint, Michael Ryan steps down as Westmeath hurling boss
‘My journey is at an end now but we’ve had some fantastic days .’
Iniesta announces international retirement following Spain's World Cup exit
After more than 130 caps and three major titles, including the 2010 World Cup, the former Barcelona midfielder has hung up his boots
Mascherano announces international retirement following Argentina's World Cup exit
The versatile 34-year-old has called time on his career with the Aliceleste.
Willie Mullins' Vroum Vroum Mag retired ahead of Cheltenham Festival
Time has been called on the top-class mare’s racing career.
Jamie Heaslip announces his retirement with immediate effect
The 34-year-old won 95 caps for Ireland.
Hull City's Mason forced to retire a year after fracturing skull in Premier League game against Chelsea
Mason joined Hully City in August 2016 from Tottenham.