Former Kildare captain announces inter-county retirement
Mick O'Grady has announced his retirement from inter-county football Photo: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Former Kildare captain Mick O'Grady has announced his retirement from intercounty football.
The teak-tough defender made his debut in the Lilywhite jersey in early 2014 and went on to represent his county in well over 100 games before lining out for the final time as Kildare beat Limerick in the Tailteann Cup final in Croke Park.
Speaking of his fellow Celbridge man, county board chairman Mick Mullen said:
"On behalf of Kildare GAA, we wish to sincerely thank Mick O’Grady for his outstanding service to Kildare following his decision to step down from Inter County Football.
"Mick began his career with the Kildare Senior Football Panel in 2013 and made his debut in the O’Byrne Cup against Athlone IT on 5th January 2014.
"Mick has been one of Kildare’s stalwart defenders, keeping at bay some of the most lethal forwards in the game. He has been an inspiration to many of the young players in the dressing room over the years.
"Mick has shown great commitment, leadership and passion for the Lilywhite Jersey and has played under six different managers. He was made captain in January 2022 and held that position for the following three years. In total, he played 138 times in all competitions and is the 11th most capped Kildare Senior Footballer of all time.
"It is fitting that his final appearance in the White Jersey was celebrating victory in Croke Park in the Tailteann Cup final 2025.
"We wish Mick all the very best for the next chapter in his life."
O'Grady is the second high profile retiree from Brian Flanagan's squad since the end of the season, following in the footsteps of Daniel Flynn earlier this month.
