Long-serving Wexford hurler and All-Star retires from inter-county

The Wexford Senior hurlers have suffered a blow ahead of the new inter-county season…

It comes following the news that Wexford hurler, Dee O’Keeffe, has announced that he is retiring from the Wexford inter-county set-up.

The St. Anne’s Rathangan clubman made his debut for Wexford in a National League match v Antrim in February 2012, before making his first senior championship appearance v Westmeath later that year. He went on to establish himself on the team in the years that followed, showing his versatility and all-round ability by being equally comfortable at wing back, midfield, or wing forward.

The highlight of his Wexford career was victory over Kilkenny in the Leinster Senior Hurling Final of 2019, while later that year, he was honoured for brilliant consistency throughout that season by being named at midfield on the All-Stars 2019 selection.

‘Dee’ is also a talented footballer, and in 2013, he captained the Wexford Under-21 football team. At club level, he holds two Wexford Senior Football Championship medals (2012 & 2014), but unfortunately has tasted defeat in four Senior Hurling Championship Finals (2014, 2019, 2021 & 2024).

Bringing the curtain down on his inter-county career, Diarmuid said:

“I have loved every aspect of representing the Wexford hurling team since 2012. Although I will miss it, it has been a huge honour and I have made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.”

“I would like to extend my appreciation to all of my teammates, each of the managers and management teams that I played under, all the coaches that I had during my time playing underage for Wexford and of course, the loyal Wexford fans. I want to pay a special tribute to my club St. Anne’s Rathangan who encouraged and supported me along the way. I am looking forward to prolonging my club career with them in the years ahead.”

“Finally, a huge thank you to all of my family, especially my mam Joan, my late dad Noel, my wife Megan and my daughter Bláithín for always being my number one supporters.”

“I would like to wish Wexford every success in 2025 and the years beyond in their quest for glory.”, the statement via Wexford GAA reads.

Wexford senior hurling manager, Keith Rossiter, had high praise for Diarmuid as he announced his retirement.

‘I would like to pay tribute to Diarmuid for the immense contribution he has made to his county and club over many years,’ he said.

‘It has been an honour and a privilege to have both played with and managed such a great player. He is incredibly talented and has had a great hurling career, and yet always remained steady and level headed. He’s a guy for whom I have always had the greatest respect and, while the set-up will not be the same without him, I totally respect the decision he has now made.”

‘He is a pure gentlemen on and off the pitch and has been immensely popular on every team he has been part of. I wish him every happiness and success in the future and thank him for his immense contributions. I also would like to pay tribute to his family who have nurtured, encouraged and supported his hurling career throughout the years,’ current Wexford Senior hurling manager, Keith Rossiter, stated.

Thanks for the memories, Dee.