Dublin GAA fans have been hit with more sad news after it was confirmed that Brian Fenton decided to call it a day with the boys in blue but they were determined to thank him.
Making his debut in 2015, Brian was a part of a team that helped set a GAA record with six consecutive senior football titles beating Kerry's four in a row.
In recent times when a player steps down, a lengthy statement is released but Brian kept his short, sweet and simple.
With seven All-Ireland medals under his belt, Brian broke the news just a short time after his teammate and captain James McCarthy announced his departure.
Posting pictures of his success over the years on his social media, Brian stated 'Words will never suffice to explain the privilege it has been to represent this county.'
Lifting the Sam Maguire cup, another shot sees Brian as a small child in his Dublin kit - highlighting how he had always wanted to be part of the Boys in Blue.
'Proud of that kid for chasing his dreams,' he wrote below.
Former Dublin player Eamonn Fennell said 'Congratulations on incredible career Fento,' while Today FM DJ Declan Pierce suggested 'Maybe you'll finally join me on stage now!! Thanks for giving Dublin fans moments we never thought we'd experience in a lifetime.'
Devote fans of the Dublin team thanked the 31-year-old for his dedication to the team.
One person said 'One of the best Dublin footballers there ever was. Thanks for the memories.' Another wrote 'One of the best Dublin footballers there ever was. Thanks for the memories.'
Known as one of the best footballers of his time, those from other counties sent him a message. 'As a Meathman, happy to see you go. As a football man, sad to see you go. One of the greatest to play the game. Best of luck for the future.'
In a statement released on Tuesday, Dublin County Board Chairperson Michael Seavers said: 'Brian was an integral figure in the incredible success enjoyed by Dublin over the past decade.
'He is a hugely talented footballer and fan favourite who will forever be considered one of the greatest players to grace the field in a blue jersey.'
He continued: 'We thank Brian for his unwavering commitment to Dublin football.
'We wish him and his family all the best going forward and look forward to welcoming him back to Parnell Park as he continues to play with his club Raheny.'
Brian's exit from the Dublin team comes after he proposed to his fiancée Katie Molloy last year. They had been together for three years after meeting at work during a Zoom call.
Speaking to EVOKE in the past Brian said: 'We work in separate sections but with the same group. The first time I saw Katie was on a Zoom call and it was during Covid, and I was like, who is that!'
Katie added: 'You know what I love was that I didn't know what Brian was about. I didn't know Brian at all. I played football. I never would have watched it... It was only after that I realised.'
