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'I've never been in better shape' | Kevin McManamon rules out retirement

While there is perhaps no higher height to retire from than after a fifth All-Ireland title in a ...



Football

'I've never been in better shape' | Kevin McManamon rules out retirement

While there is perhaps no higher height to retire from than after a fifth All-Ireland title in a row, Dublin's Kevin McManamon has no desire to step away just yet.

McManamon was on Thursday's OTB AM and was asked whether this summer's Championship success would be the perfect natural conclusion to his inter-county career.

"No. No, no," McManamon emphatically replied.

Were there ever any thoughts of it?

"No. No," he repeated as emphatically, "I have a better lifestyle now than when I was starting games and was one of the first forwards on the team sheet.

"Physically, I was lighter this year and trimmer this year than I ever was."

Still feeling fit and able, the 32-year-old seven-time All-Ireland winner added that his father had encouraged him to continue playing.

"My da stopped playing when he was 43 and he was saying you'll never be able to replace it so keep rolling with it."

Asked if he was motivated by chasing the record of the Kerry greats with eight All-Irelands, McManamon admitted it had crossed his mind but was not something he was necessarily striving to achieve.

"I've never spoken about it with any of the players. I don't know if I'll be around for two or three more years or if I'll be lucky enough to play a Super 8, or a semi or a final.

"I've played nine finals someone told me there the other week, which I can't believe it, like. Two draws and all that, and I'm so proud of that as a career."

While McManamon is eager to continue making history with the Dubs, he is also acutely aware that the decision is not solely his.

"I'll probably chat to Jim [Gavin] before the start of the year in December and go, 'What do you think, do you want me to keep rolling?'

"I do have a role in the team as a senior player and I do take that very seriously."

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All-ireland Dublin GAA Jim Gavin Kevin McManamon