Johnny Doyle brought the curtain down on his remarkable 28 year senior career with Allenwood on Saturday afternoon.
Allenwood's senior campaign came to an end after a 5-10 to 1-13 loss to Athy with Doyle calling time on his long and illustrious career afterwards.
"That's it, that's me done," he said to the Kildare Nationalist on his way into the dressing rooms after the game.
It's was typically low-key from a 46-year-old who made his championship debut back in 1996.
Doyle came on as a substitute that day, scoring 1-1 in their championship win off the bench against Naas.
This evening the Allenwood and Kildare legend John Doyle said today would be his last in a blue jersey , well Johnny thank you for everything that you have given as a player to A/wood and Kildare. One of the greatest to wear either Jersey and a true legend of Gaelic football. 🩵 pic.twitter.com/kxAW323MGX
— larry malone (@larrymalone) September 14, 2024
He's remained a key man for Allenwood across the three decades that have followed, fittingly scoring three points including two from play against Athy on Saturday.
Nothing summarises Doyle's commitment to the Allenwood cause than the stat that he never missed a championship game for the club from his debut in 1996 until 2022, when he finally had to sit one out through injury.
Something of a bionic man, he also never missed a championship game for Kildare between his debut in 2000 and retirement in 2014.
Allenwood went on a great run last year reaching the All-Ireland intermediate semi-final with Doyle remaining an ever-present throughout their journey, winning man-of-the-match from midfield in their county final win over Castledermot.
According to reports in Kildare this evening, Johnny Doyle has called time on his remarkable football career following Allenwood's defeat to Athy tonight.
He made his senior debut for the club in 1996.
He's been an inspiration for club and county ever since, and lead Allenwood… pic.twitter.com/YwuiqmIp54
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 14, 2024
He also impressed in their All-Ireland semi-final loss against eventual champs St Pat's Cullyhanna, scoring two from play.
Things didn't go to plan for Allenwood this year losing all three of their games to Athy, Celbridge and Clogherinkoe but crucially they avoid the relegation play-off which will be contested by St Laurence's and Kilcock.
Doyle was part of the Kildare team that won the Leinster championship in 2000, defeating Dublin in a replay. He was recognised with an All-Star for his performances in 2010, as Kildare lost an All-Ireland semi-final to Down.
Read More: Kildare Legend Johnny Doyle Scores Remarkable Last Gasp Point To Help Club Into Semi-Finals
