Paul Flynn has stepped down from his role as a Gaelic Footballer and will now have more time to devote to representing all those he has played against as well as those who will fill his shoes.

“After 12 proud years wearing the Dublin jersey I have made the difficult decision to step away from the Dublin football panel,” he announced yesterday.

“It’s an enormous privilege to play for your county and I feel incredibly lucky and proud that I got to play for Dublin for as long as I have. Dublin football has played a huge part in my life and I will be forever grateful for all that it has given me.”

“I was honoured to train and play alongside exceptional teammates week in week out, to have enjoyed the support of extraordinary managers over the years and to have had the support of dedicated, world-class backroom teams.”

“I’m grateful for all that they’ve taught me over the years and for the lifelong friendships that I made along the way. My football career started and ended with the support of my club, my family and my friends and to them, I am eternally grateful.”

“Since my back surgery last year I’ve struggled to reach the fitness required for inter-county and to reach the standards that I set for myself. While my heart says play on unfortunately my body says it’s time to call it a day.”

“I’ve loved every minute of my journey with Dublin football and to have played in front of its dedicated and passionate supporters has allowed me to make memories that I will cherish forever. I move on now with gratitude to the next chapter of my life.”

That next chapter will in part at least be as CEO of the Gaelic Players Association, a position he took up last year and which he has settled into well.

The retirement of a top GAA Intercounty player is massively significant for them but the fact of their being an amateur and already having a structured life outside of the training and the games means it can sometimes be seen as more of a freedom than a retirement for someone who has been a full time paid sportsperson.

In those circumstances, a former player has to switch to being a current something else.

At least we know with Paul Flynn that he has that pathway covered in the same way as he had the half forward role when winning each of his six All Ireland titles.