National Forum

Hanging up the boots

(Oldest Posts First)

Great article on the main page from former Kilkenny star Martin Comerford about retiring early.

With some talk recently about certain players from different counties who have already retired and others being ushered to do so by supporters (particularly in Kerry), I was just looking to set up a chat about when everyone here hung up the boots, and when they think the appropriate age to step aside is.

Me personally, it was very young. After a few disputes with different managers and having more love for watching from the sidelines rather than playing (and training) it was at the tender age of 17. Playing for a town club meant it didn't matter as much numbers wise too, and I was allowed to just quit.

I would look at 34 if even, as the appropriate age for inter county. And then depending on the mobility and ability to avoid injury anything upto 37 for club (which has been proven wrong on many occassions). Just my views, be good to get an indication of when people stopped playing and their opinions?

Triple H (Meath) - Posts: 551 - 29/11/2016 15:30:39    1937254

Link

Replying To Triple H:  "Great article on the main page from former Kilkenny star Martin Comerford about retiring early.

With some talk recently about certain players from different counties who have already retired and others being ushered to do so by supporters (particularly in Kerry), I was just looking to set up a chat about when everyone here hung up the boots, and when they think the appropriate age to step aside is.

Me personally, it was very young. After a few disputes with different managers and having more love for watching from the sidelines rather than playing (and training) it was at the tender age of 17. Playing for a town club meant it didn't matter as much numbers wise too, and I was allowed to just quit.

I would look at 34 if even, as the appropriate age for inter county. And then depending on the mobility and ability to avoid injury anything upto 37 for club (which has been proven wrong on many occassions). Just my views, be good to get an indication of when people stopped playing and their opinions?"
Well it's a long story, first time was at 15 u16 took a year out from it at the time of my junior cert plus wasn't in a good place didn't return to it till the last few games of the minor the next year small parish club could have done with me so I came back to play 13 aside and we only had 11 players. Was involved with the senior team for two years getting the odd cameo, never fit and not a man for training decided to pack it in at 20 always talked of going back to the club but left Ireland for London two years later and it was another four years before I took it up here. 31 now still never fit last few years I've not kept up with having problems with me achillies spend a day or two hobbling after training or a match.
Took time out last year over it from the playin and training managed to break a finger from watching the lads train now have a crocked one. Still have a lump on the back of the ankle but hopefully will be able to manage it better in the coming year if I can finally start try to get fit hope to play for a few more years. Ps when I first played with the senior team there was a lad playing midfield aged 46 think he was more a holding midfielder!

Spoddgy (Mayo) - Posts: 660 - 29/11/2016 15:55:10    1937258

Link

I don't think there's any right or wrong age really. It all depends on the individual and how fit/unfit they are, and/or how much they're enjoying it.
I was very lucky to be able to call it a day after a league and championship double. I was 33. I also escaped relatively unscathed from my playing days so I'm still able to enjoy the weekly game of astro and a bit of running in the summer time.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9136 - 29/11/2016 16:21:14    1937273

Link

I took a break for 2 years. I was only 29 but was getting pissed off with the routine. I am itching to get back now next season, can't wait.

Whammo86 (Antrim) - Posts: 4225 - 29/11/2016 16:38:46    1937278

Link