DEAN ROCK HAS NO REGRETS AFTER RETIRING FROM COUNTY FOOTBALL AND CAN SPEND MORE TIME WITH DAUGHTER SADIE

This year's season is well underway and while the Dubs are soldiering through, with Sam in their sights once more, Dean Rock is enjoying retirement.

In January of this year, the left-corner forward broke fan's hearts as he announced his retirement from county football.

Making his debut in 2009 the 34-year-old has eight All-Ireland medals as well as 12 Leinster senior football championships, six National Leagues, three All-Stars, and an All-Ireland under-21 crown.

Thanking those who made his career a success, he paid particular homage to his wife Niamh who also played for the Dublin Ladies team, and his daughter Sadie.

Writing in the Irish Times this month the former player said 'When I retired from Dublin in January, I was content with the decision. Nothing in the months has changed that feeling. I had my time. I still haven't watched last year's All-Ireland final.'

As the boys in blue took on Meath at the weekend one of their all-time rivals, Dean stated 'To be honest there were no pangs of regret this past week as Dublin prepared for Sunday's championship opener against Meath.

One of the highlights of his football career, apart from winning eight All-Ireland medals was having his daughter Sadie at the All-Ireland last year when they beat Kerry.

Releasing a statement, he spoke about the joy of his career and how winning their 31st All-Ireland title was made even more special because his daughter Sadie was there to witness it.

He said 'Having our daughter Sadie on the pitch after last year's All-Ireland final is one of my proudest moments.'

Thanking his wife he said 'Niamh, your unconditional love helped me through the ups and downs over the years and I am excited about what the future holds.'

While he may have hung his blue shirt up Dean hasn't let go fully and still plays for his local club Ballymun Kickhams and is hoping his body will hang on until the age of 40.