Jim Gavin led the tributes to Paul Flynn, who announced his inter-county retirement yesterday.
Flynn made his Championship debut in the 2008 Leinster semi-final win over Westmeath and went on to start the All-Ireland finals of 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016, during which time he won four back-to-back All-Stars from 2011-2014.
He came on a substitute in the three-in-a-row 2017 final, and was an unused sub last year after back surgery in the spring.
The 32-year-old, who plays his club football with Fingallians, admitted that he had struggled to get fit enough to play on at inter-county level and cited this as a key reason for quitting the panel.
Gavin paid his tribute to his former forward after the announcement, saying: "On behalf of the Dublin Senior Football Team and the Dublin Gaelic Athletic Association I would like to wish the very best to Paul Flynn as he announces his retirement from senior inter-county football.
"Paul has had a long and distinguished inter county career representing the county of Dublin.
"His collection of medals and awards is a testament to the impact he has had on our Gaelic games. An outstanding leader, Paul inspired those around him by his determination, self-sacrifice and commitment to his sport – all focused on the team being the best that it could be.
"Paul is an outstanding individual and gentleman and he is an immense credit to his family, friends and club Fingallians CLG and I wish him well in all his future endeavours."
