Cork footballer Ciara O'Sullivan has announced her retirement from inter-county football.
Her announcement comes today after more than 16 years with the Cork inter-county panel. The Cork legend departs the panel with eight All-Ireland wins. O'Sullivan is also the last Cork captain to bring the team to an All-Ireland victory, after their win in 2016 to lift the Brendan Martin Cup.
O'Sullivan had not previously participated in the squad's league campaign to date and has now confirmed her departure from the inter-county panel. During her 16 years with Cork, she collected a phenomenal 5 All-Star medals, with her fifth collected in last year's award ceremony.
The 33 year old commented on her retirement:
After 16 very enjoyable years playing with the Cork seniors I’ve decided to hang up my inter-county boots.
I’ve had the privilege of learning from the best coaches and managers and playing with some of the best players.
I’m looking forward to focusing fully on club football now and to shouting the Cork girls on from the other side of the wire going forward.”
We would like to take this opportunity to wish @CorkLGFA and @MourneabbeyLFC's Ciara O'Sullivan all the very best following confirmation that she has retired from inter-county football
Ciara joined the Cork senior panel in 2008 and steps away as an 8-time @TG4TV All-Ireland… pic.twitter.com/a4ICElJARI— Ladies Football (@LadiesFootball) March 8, 2024
Cork manager Shane Ronayne also confirmed the news, praising O'Sullivan's incredible contribution to the Cork inter-county team during her 16 seasons:
Ciara has been a phenomenal player for Cork for the past 16 years at inter-county level.
She is a brilliant athlete and her Messi-like ability to travel with the ball made her virtually impossible to mark and it helped Cork to win many a game.
She is one of the finest players of her generation and will be long remembered for her contribution to her county. She often played through the pain barrier for Cork and that is one of her most admirable qualities, that she was willing to put it all on the line for her county.
On behalf of all the management I would like to thank Ciara for all she has done for Cork over the years and wish her the best of luck in her continuing club career and professional one as well."
