Small announces inter-county retirement

John Small has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

The Ballymun Kickhams man has been a key member of the Dublin Senior Football panel for 11 seasons, claiming seven All-Ireland titles during a brilliant career in Blue.

Small played a leading role in Dublin’s historic six-in-a-row of All-Ireland wins between 2015 and 2020.

He has also claimed ten Leinster SFC titles, four NFL winners medals and one All-Star in 2020.

Small made his announcement via a statement this afternoon:

“Representing the Dublin senior football team has been the greatest privilege of my life. It gave me memories and friendships that I’ll carry with me forever. They truly were the best days of my life.

I’ve been so lucky to have incredible people around me throughout this journey — my family, my partner Jade, my son Charlie, my friends, my club, Jim and Dessie along with their coaching teams, my teammates, and the amazing Dublin supporters who have always stood behind us.

But above everyone else, I want to acknowledge my Mam, Andrea, and my late Dad, Declan. They gave me the chance to live my dream and supported me every step of the way. I wouldn’t have achieved any of this without them.

To Ger Brennan and his management team, I wish you nothing but success in 2026. I’ll be watching on from the stands with pride.

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey. It’s meant everything to me. “

Dublin County Board Chairman Ken O’Sullivan says:

“On behalf of the Dublin County Board, our clubs and supporters, I’d like to thank John for his years of commitment and dedication to Dublin GAA, both through his club Ballymun Kickhams and while representing Dublin on the field of play.

John has been a colossus at the heart of Dublin’s defence and somebody who has given his all to the cause every time he stepped onto the pitch in a blue jersey.

He was an integral part of Dublin’s golden period of success over the past decade and will be fondly remembered by Dublin fans for many years to come.

We wish him and his family all the best for the years ahead.”

Former Dublin Senior Football manager Dessie Farrell has paid tribute to John:

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate John on an outstanding career with Dublin football. It has been a great privilege to have coached him since the Dublin Under-13 squad, right through to his final game in a senior jersey.

From the outset, John distinguished himself not only as a fierce competitor and a warrior on the field, but as a man of deep humility and heart.

He has always given everything for the team, for those beside him, and for the Dublin jersey he wore with such pride.

John is loved, admired and respected by me, his teammates, coaches, and supporters alike, and his contribution to Dublin football and his community will be long remembered. He leaves the game as he played it; with courage, character and integrity.

Best wishes to John and his family for continued success and good health in the future.”

New Dublin Senior Football manager Ger Brennan has also paid tribute to John’s achievements:

“Having played briefly with John and against him multiple times at club level, I know John was a warrior, a leader and a team player to the very end.

“I wish John every success as he returns fully to his club Ballymun Kickhams and in his future personal and professional endeavours.”