One of the clubs most talented and liked footballers and all round gentlemen has taken the decision to retire after 12 years with the Dublin team. Social media has been alight with tributes from his team mates, sports journalists, county officials, Fingal Ravens members and many more players within the GAA community for our man Butsy who has achieved an amazing 7 All Ireland titles and honour only bestowed on a handful of players.
"He personified the culture this team built over the years' - Bernard Brogan pays tribute to retiring Darren Daly - Full Report here
"This man is one of the real unsung heroes of The Dubs success in recent years. Look at the stats & its quite clear that Jim Gavin repeatedly turned to him when they were in trouble. Congrats Darren Daly on a fantastic inter-county career with
@DubGAAOfficial - Des Cahill RTE Sports broadcaster.
We would like to thank Butsy for all the magical moments he has given us and how proud he has made us all feel in Fingal Ravens. Not only does his passion for football follow through to his own career but his commitment and dedication to the development of football amongst all our players in the club is commendable. There is no doubt that Darren will be a formidable pilar in the future landscape of Dublin football. We wish Darren all the best for his future plans from all your friends, teammates and the management at the club
Chairman of Fingal Ravens Pat Mc Donagh commenting on Darren's retirement said "It only seems like yesterday that a young nine year old Darren Daly came to Ravens and from there began his incredible journey in GAA. As the club enjoyed much success over the years Darren's growth as a player coincided with the club's achievements in football and its first team. It also coincided with the start of the greatest era in county football for any team and for Butsy to play an integral part in both the success of his own club football and the Dublin team is an outstanding achievement. The club is truly proud that Darren is part of what we are. I wish him well in his retirement and in so doing recall so many proud days he has given us in Croke Park . He is a shining example of discipline and commitment for everybody at the club and especially our younger players and hopefully we can get to enjoy watching you play for a few more years at club level!
Vice Chairman of Fingal Ravens Alan Manning commenting on Darrens retirement said."We wish Butsy all the best on his retirement and we are honoured as a club to have him represent Fingal Ravens. His dedication, professionalism and vision for the game has been outstanding . 13 years ago Butsy helped us win the Dublin Intermediate championship and that team brought us all the way to the All Ireland Club championship final , he has followed that with a Junior All Ireland medal with Dublin, 6 National Leagues, 9 Senior Leinster championships & an unbelievable 7 Senior All Ireland Championships. Darren is one of those gifted players who's passion for the game and the welfare of his teammates makes him the brilliant all round sportsman he is. Thanks for the wonderful journey , enjoy your retirement & cherish the memories you’ve helped create"
Director of Football at Fingal Ravens John O Leary commenting on Darrens retirement said: "Best wishes to Darren as he announces his retirement from the inter county scene. Playing for Dublin for 12 years is an incredible achievement in itself, but to win 7 All Irelands during that time is something no one could dream of doing. His block on Mayo’s Tom Parson, in the dying seconds of the 2016 All Ireland replay is one of the outstanding moments of Dublins five in row journey.
For Fingal Ravens it is great to have a clubman of his character among us, his visibility around the club is a great to see. For our younger players he is a superb example of what someone from a small club like ours can aspire too. Thank you for what you have done for your club and county.