Tipperary footballer Robbie Kiely announces retirement from inter county game

Long serving Tipperary senior footballer Robbie Kiely has decided to retire from Senior Inter County football after 11 years playing at the highest level for his county it was announced today.

Having won a Munster U21 title in 2010 when Tipperary defeated Kerry in that year’s final under the lights in Tralee, Robbie made his championship debut against Louth in 2011, from where he went on to play a pivotal role for his team and made a major contribution in every game he played.

In 2020 Tipperary captured the Munster senior football title for the first time in 85 years when they defeated Cork by 0-17 to 0-14 and Robbie was again to the fore in that game.

Speaking on hearing the news of Robbie’s retirement, Tipperary senior football manager David Power said “I would like to pay tribute to one of Tipperary football’s greatest servants, Robbie Kiely, who has retired from intercounty football," he said.

"Robbie was one of our greatest and most talented players, with a deserved Munster u21 title win in 2010 earmarking his serious talent.

"He was pleasure to work with, a player that hugely contributed to Tipperary football. His starring role at half back  in the Munster final win of 2020 set him apart. After making his senior debut in 2011 he deservedly received an All Star nomination in 2016.

"Robbie played a key role in 2020, helping the team to their first Munster title in 85 years. His commitment was such that he frequently travelled the byroads of Ireland, mostly from West Cork to Thurles, making four-round trips to and from training, to wear the Tipperary football jersey.

"I was delighted that I had opportunity to manage him and wish him well in his retirement.

"He leaves Tipperary football with great memories," he finished.

Adding to David’s words, Tipperary Football Committee Chairman Conor O’Dwyer said; “Robbie has been a terrific servant to Tipperary Football for a number of years and can be extremely proud of the contribution he has made in that time.

"He has had a central role in some of the greatest days in our football history, most notably in the Munster final success of 2020. All involved in football in the premier county will no doubt wish him all the very best in whatever the future holds."