Wexford hurling star Diarmuid O’Keeffe has retired from inter-county hurling after 12 years.
O’Keeffe made his debut against Antrim in the 2012 Allianz League and won a Leinster SHC medal, as well as an All-Star at midfield, in 2019.
A talented footballer, he also won two Wexford SFC medals in 2012 and 2014. However, his hurling career wasn’t as fortunate, as he lost four county SHC finals in 2014, 2019, 2021, and this year.
Speaking on the Wexford GAA website last weekend, the 32-year-old admitted it was a huge honour to have represented his native county.
“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.”
O’Keeffe then thanked several parties for their support during his Wexford career and wished the team all the best for the 2025 season.
“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,” he added.
The long-serving Diarmuid O'Keeffe of @StAnnes_GAA has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling. We thank him for his dedication to the Purple & Gold, and wish him all the best for the future.https://t.co/Y2YrJGHXuw
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) November 22, 2024
“I want to pay a special tribute to my club, St Anne’s Rathangan, who encouraged and supported me along the way. I am looking forward to prolonging my club career with them in the years ahead.
“Finally, a huge thank you to all of my family, especially my mam Joan, my late dad Noel, my wife Megan, and my daughter Bláithín, for always being my number one supporters.
“I would like to wish Wexford every success in 2025 and the years beyond in their quest for glory.”
Wexford senior hurling manager Keith Rossiter also had high praise for O’Keeffe following his announcement.
“I would like to pay tribute to Diarmuid for the immense contribution he has made to his county and club over many years,” 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, yet he 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 fully respect the decision he has now made.”
See More: Wexford GAA
