"The most underrated defender of our era"
October 10, 2025
Dublin's John Small ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Brian Fenton paid tribute to his ex-Dublin team mate John Small following the latter’s announcement yesterday that he’s retiring from inter-county football.
Small was part of the Dubs’ six-in-a-row All-Ireland SFC winning side and also won 10 Leinster SFC titles, four Allianz League crowns and an All-Star award in his 11-year career with the capital men.
Posting on ‘X’ yesterday after learning of Small’s retirement, two-time Footballer of the Year Fenton described the Ballymun Kickhams clubman as: “The most underrated defender of our era. What a warrior and what a team mate. Kept the best forwards quiet, and always good for an anytime yellow.”
Meanwhile Dublin GAA simply posted: “A colossus, a warrior, a leader. John Small - a Dublin hero.”
The most underrated defender of our era. What a warrior and what a team mate. Kept the best forwards quiet, and always good for an anytime yellow 👀@JohnSmall6 https://t.co/PAF7hhzpEh
— Brian Fenton (@BrianFenton08) October 9, 2025
TweetA colossus, a warrior, a leader.
— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) October 9, 2025
John Small- a Dublin hero 💙 pic.twitter.com/zDOSND5J0V
