SEVEN-TIME ALL-IRELAND winner Jonny Cooper believes that it was the right time to hang up his boots and walk away from the inter-county scene.
The former Ireland defender called time on his illustrious Dublin career six weeks ago and opened up about the decision to do so.
Speaking at a press event ahead of tomorrow’s Sigerson Cup final between UL and UCC, the 33-year-old said, "It was the right decision for a few different reasons.”
Definitely nothing there, it's more just you're doing something for 11 years or whatever it might be, so there's certain norms there and certain connections - and look, my relationship and connection and friendship with all of them outlives wearing a blue jersey, so that stand is just different.
"It's not what I'm used to this time of the year. But absolutely, no regrets for me and the right decision for me and right decision for the team if I'm being honest about it."
Recently retired @DubGAAOfficial footballer, Jonny Cooper, reflects on his stellar inter-county career and looks ahead to what he hopes will be a fruitful career on the club front with @clgNaFianna. #GAABelong
— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 13, 2023
The Na Fianna clubman also added that he couldn't find the previous levels that made him a mainstay in the all-conquering Dublin team throughout the years.
"When you look at it in terms of kicking on 15% more, elevating my game and whether or not I can influence, then you ask yourself the question," he added.
"I was lucky enough to be a player and a captain but there are a few different angles to it. I was lucky enough to get to 2022 and kick on. Then there was the clinical and cold answer that I couldn't do it again [this year]; I couldn't get to the level the guys have set.
"For me I can't stand behind something if you can't get to that 15% more that the guys have set, and rightly set, well I'm at ease from that point of view."
The Dublin footballers travel to Páirc Uí Chaoimh this Sunday on February 19.
That game kicks off at 15.45 and can be viewed live on TG4.
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