Galway great David Burke has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.

The 2017 All-Ireland SHC winning captain bows out after a stellar 16 seasons with the Tribesmen. A born leader, the St Thomas' clubman first came to prominence as captain of the Galway team which contested the 2008 All-Ireland MHC final against Kilkenny.

In 2011, he scored three points as Galway defeated Dublin to claim All-Ireland U21HC honours, while he also won a Fitzgibbon Cup with UL in the same year.

Burke was part of the first Galway team to win the Leinster SHC title in 2012 and lifted the Bob O'Keeffe Cup himself as captain in 2017 and '18. The 35-year-old produced a man of the match performance as the Westerners saw off Waterford to end a 29-year wait for Liam MacCarthy Cup glory in 2017.

Burke also skippered his county to an Allianz League title in 2017 and won four All-Stars in 2012, '15, '16 and '17.

“Galway hurling has been an integral part of my life as far back as I can remember both as a supporter and a player. It has been an honour to represent my county, club and family for 16 seasons at senior intercounty level," he said in a statement released through Galway GAA.

“Throughout this time, I have shared a dressing room with great friends, team-mates, managers, coaches and backroom personnel, in particular Micheál Donoghue for having faith in me to help lead the county to All Ireland success in 2017.

“Playing at intercounty level takes a huge level of personal sacrifice and so I wish to take this opportunity to thank my wife, Laura, our two kids, my parents John and Paula, my sister, my brothers, in-laws and the St. Thomas’ community for their unwavering support and understanding of my commitment to Galway hurling.

“A mention also to the Galway hurling supporters who have always stood by the team along the way, the Galway County Board, longstanding Galway sponsor Pat and Una McDonagh (Supermac’s) and my school St. Brigid’s College Loughrea. There were incredible heights and excruciating lows, but the privilege was never lost on me or taken for granted. Gaillimh Abú!"

Galway manager Micheál Donoghue said of Burke: “His influence will endure not only among the players he has shared the field with, but throughout the wider GAA community. An exceptional captain, David possessed a rare ability to inspire belief and trust in his team-mates when it mattered most.”

Galway GAA chairman Paul Bellew added: “On behalf of everyone in Galway GAA, I want to thank and congratulate David on an outstanding career in the maroon and white. One of our greatest-ever players, he combined exceptional hurling ability with unrivalled leadership qualities, both on and off the field. This culminated in David captaining Galway to the 2017 All-Ireland Senior Hurling title.

"He holds a unique distinction in being named Man of the Match in both All-Ireland senior inter-county and club finals, a true testament to his consistency and his ability to deliver on the biggest stages. He is a fantastic ambassador for Galway GAA and a pleasure to deal with over the past few years. We look forward to seeing David continue to represent St. Thomas’ in the years ahead, and I have no doubt that he will be involved with Galway teams at all levels in the future too.”

 

🔈 David Burke retires from Inter-County Hurling

David Burke, captain of Galway’s 2017 All-Ireland Senior Hurling winning side, has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling after 16 seasons with the Tribesmen.

Statement in full⤵️https://t.co/fCm5nTmn1m pic.twitter.com/RlTRFMdTAw

— Galway GAA Official (@Galway_GAA) December 19, 2025

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