WEXFORD star Diarmuid O’Keeffe has announced his retirement from inter-county action after an illustrious 13-year career.
The 32-year-old made his senior debut in 2012 and became a key figure for Wexford.
An outstanding 2019 season followed when he helped secure the county’s first Leinster senior hurling title in 15 years.
That same year, he was awarded and All-Star selection award for his performances in midfield.
O’Keeffe also captained Wexford’s Under-21 footballers in 2013 and won two senior county football titles with St Anne’s Rathangan in 2012 and 2014.
He had previously won a Leinster U21 hurling championship with Wexford in 2013.
O’Keeffe released a touching statement as he confirmed the news:
It read: “I have loved every aspect of representing the Wexford hurling team since 2012.
“Although I will miss it, it has been a huge honour and I have made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
“I would like to extend my appreciation to all of my teammates, each of the managers and management teams that I played under, all the coaches that I had during my time playing underage for Wexford and of course, the loyal Wexford fans.”
Wexford manager Keith Rossiter also credited the now former inter-county star as he paid tribute to O’Keeffe’s contribution.
He said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to have both played with and managed such a great player.
“He is incredibly talented and has had a great hurling career, and yet always remained steady and level-headed.
“He’s a guy for whom I have always had the greatest respect, and while the set-up will not be the same without him, I totally respect the decision he has now made.
“He is a pure gentleman on and off the pitch and has been immensely popular on every team he has been part of.”
