John Small Calls Time on an Inter-County Era
John Small, a defining figure of Dublin football over more than a decade, has announced his retirement from inter-county football. The Ballymun Kickhams forward, who helped Dublin to unprecedented success in the modern era, confirmed the decision after a standout 11-season spell with the Sky Blues. At 32, Small bows out with a career that sits among the most accomplished in recent Gaelic football history.
A Glowing Summary of a Storied Career
Small’s list of achievements reads like a rollercoaster of Dublin dominance. He was part of a squad that delivered six Sam Maguires in a row from 2015 to 2020, cementing Dublin’s place at the pinnacle of Gaelic football and building a dynasty that future generations will study. In addition to those All-Ireland wins, the Ballymun Kickhams man collected 10 Leinster SFC titles, four Allianz Football League titles, and earned an All-Star in 2020. Each trophy symbolized more than silverware; they represented countless training sessions, nerve-witing defeats overcome, and the collective effort of Dublin supporters who backed the team through all the highs and lows.
Why This Chapter Ends, and What He’s Taking Forward
In his retirement statement, Small spoke with the humility and gratitude that marked his time with Dublin. “Representing the Dublin senior football team has been the greatest privilege of my life,” he said. He highlighted the memories and friendships formed during his time in maroon and blue, describing them as the best days of his life. The sense of belonging to a close-knit community—family, friends, teammates, and supporters—was unmistakable in his reflections.
A Personal Perspective on Family and Support
Small placed particular emphasis on those who stood beside him off the field. He thanked his family, his partner Jade, and his son Charlie for their unwavering support. He also acknowledged the broader network—the club, coaching teams, and the loyal Dublin supporters who have stood behind the team through every campaign. The retirement message carried a tone of gratitude and warmth, underscoring how much the journey meant not just in terms of medals, but in the human connections forged along the way.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Dublin
As Dublin turn a page with a new management era under Ger Brennan, Small’s departure leaves a leadership vacuum to be filled. Yet his note also carries a sense of optimism: the team’s culture, built with a relentless work ethic and togetherness, is a durable foundation on which the next generation can build. Small’s blessings and best wishes to Brennan and the management team signal a smooth transition and a continued commitment to Dublin’s success, even as supporters adjust to the absence of a familiar presence on the pitch.
A Legacy That Inspires the Next Generation
Beyond the numbers and the trophies, Small’s legacy lies in the standard he set for consistency, professionalism, and loyalty. His career serves as a blueprint for young footballers in Dublin and across Ireland: commit fully to your county, embrace the craft, and cherish the bonds formed along the way. For a player who has given so much to Dublin, the memories—on and off the field—will endure, and the influence of his approach will continue to echo through future teams.
Final Reflections
“Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey. It’s meant everything to me,” Small concluded. His retirement marks the end of an era for Dublin football, but it also signals the start of new chapters for players who learned from him and for supporters who carried the team across the finish line in countless campaigns. As he steps away from inter-county duties, Small remains a revered figure in Dublin’s football narrative, a testament to dedication, resilience, and the joy of the game.
