Fans hailed Stephen Cluxton for the class he showed following Dublin’s All-Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter-final loss to Tyrone.
The Dubs exited the Championship at the same stage as they did 12 months ago, with Dessie Farrell stepping down as manager immediately after Saturday’s game.
Speaking shortly after the full-time whistle, Farrell said: “I would have informed the county board at the start of this season that regardless of what happened, this was going to be my last season.
“The players were aware of that and I just informed them inside there to confirm it.
“It’s been a privilege. As a player and as a coach, I’ve been involved with Dublin for the guts of 40 years. So it’s been a long, long time.
“It’s been very much part and parcel of my life. I’ve met some many amazing people along the way, all the backroom teams, all the coaching of the underage teams, minor teams, U21 teams, and the senior teams for the last couple of years. I’ve met some special people.
“I’ve had a ringside seat in many ways to some of the greatest warriors that ever played the sport. I’ve been involved with some of them from under 13 right the way through to today. I’ve seen them grow from young boys to young men to older men.
“That’s a journey I’m so grateful for. I’m delighted to be involved for as long as I have. We’ve had some good days and bad days, but that’s all a part of professional sport.
“Some special memories, and some special bonds and relationships.”
As well as Saturday being Farrell’s last game as manager, it might also have been Cluxton’s final match in a Dublin jersey.
The 43-year-old made a shock return to the Dublin panel in 2023, having not played for them since 2020, but many believe he may now decide to step away from inter-county football for good.
The nine-time All-Ireland winner was commended for the way in which he congratulated a number of Tyrone players following Dublin’s defeat to the Red Hands.
One person wrote: “He is one classy individual and a fantastic role model for any young player.”
Another commented: “Well done Stephen,a gentleman how he respects the other team.”
Someone else said: “The young lads that play the game now could learn a lot from this man , the respect he鈥檚 always had throughout his career of GAA footballers.”
“Fair play to him, it’s not all about football, being nice costs nothing, well done Stephen,” read another comment.