Dublin great James McCarthy has retired from inter-county football.
McCarthy captained Dublin to their last All-Ireland in 2023, his ninth in total.
"I have decided to retire from representing Dublin GAA at inter-county level," he said. "This decision hasn't been an easy one to make but I feel it's the right time.
"I have been very fortunate to be involved in a golden period for Dublin GAA and I have played with the most incredible group of players.
"It really has been some of the best days of my life and I have memories to last a lifetime.
"The loyalty and friendship we have built is something I will always be thankful for."
Born in Dublin football royalty, his father John winning three All-Ireland titles in the 1970s, McCarthy was a graduate from Jim Gavin's All-Ireland winning U21 side of 2010.
The Ballymun Kickhams man made his senior Dublin debut that same year and in an illustrious career was a key cog during an unprecedented era of success.
Alongside Stephen Cluxton, McCarthy started all 11 of Dublin's All-Ireland finals between 2011 and 2023 - including two replays.
After initially establishing himself as a wing-back, McCarthy would slot into midfield in the latter half of his career, where he developed a formidable partnership with Brian Fenton.
McCarthy earned the man of the match award for the 2017 All-Ireland final, as Dublin pipped Mayo by a point to complete what was then a three-in-a-row in one of the most celebrated deciders in history.
Having been dethroned in 2021 and subsequently beaten by Kerry in the 2022 All-Ireland semi-final, McCarthy would lead the Dubs back to glory in memorable fashion in 2023, collecting a record ninth All-Ireland title.
McCarthy jointly holds the record for All-Ireland senior football medals alongside teammates Cluxton and Mick Fitzsimons, the trio surpassing the famous Kerry quintet of Pat Spillane, Páidí Ó Sé, Denis 'Ogie' Moran, Mikey Sheehy and Ger Power, who had set a longstanding record of eight titles in 1986.
His final campaign for Dublin this summer ended in a one-point loss to Galway in the All-Ireland quarter-final.
Alongside his Celtic Crosses, McCarthy collected five All-Stars and 14 Leinster titles.
Dublin chairman Mick Seavers paid tribute to McCarthy, saying: "On behalf of the Dublin County Board, I would like to congratulate James on his incredible contribution to the success of Dublin GAA during his playing career.
"James steps away as one of the most decorated and inspirational footballers ever to play the game.
"We thank James for his dedication to the blue jersey and we wish him and his family every happiness going forward."
Watch Naas (Kildare) v Cuala (Dublin) in the Leinster Senior Football Championship quarter-final on Saturday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player
