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.
The St. Thomas’ clubman first emerged at inter-county level with the Galway minors and captained the side against Kilkenny in the 2008 All-Ireland Minor Final.
He progressed to the under-21s and was part of the 2011 All-Ireland winning team that defeated Dublin 3-14 to 1-10, scoring three points in the final.
That same year, he also won a Fitzgibbon Cup title with the University of Limerick.
Throughout his stellar senior career, David served Galway with class and distinction.
In 2012, Galway captured a first-ever Leinster Senior Hurling title with a 2-21 to 2-11 victory over Kilkenny, in which David contributed 1-2. He added two more Leinster titles to his medal collection in 2017 and 2018, captaining the team on both occasions.
On 22 April 2017, he led Galway to the National Hurling League title with a 3-21 to 0-14 win over Tipperary, adding to his first league success in 2010, he later won a further National League medal in 2021.
The pinnacle of his inter-county career came in 2017 when Galway defeated Waterford to end a 29-year wait for the Liam MacCarthy Cup.
David’s outstanding midfield display, landing four points from play, earned him Man of the Match, and his victory speech remains one of the most memorable in recent times.
Over the course of his career, David also received four All-Star awards – in 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
An exemplary leader, team player and captain, we congratulate David on a remarkable career and extend our heartfelt thanks for his years of commitment and loyalty to the Maroon and White.
We wish him every success in the future. #gaillimhabú
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Statement from David Burke:
“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 sixteen seasons at senior intercounty level.
“Throughout this time, I have shared a dressing room with great friends, teammates, managers, coaches and backroom personnel, in particular Micheal 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!”
Statement from Micheál Donoghue, Galway Senior Hurling Manager:
“In every way, David Burke has represented Galway GAA with the utmost distinction. His career sets the standard for what it truly means to wear the county jersey – defined by elite performance, unwavering commitment, selfless leadership and genuine humility.
“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 teammates when it mattered most.
“He will always be remembered for the immense pride and joy he brought to Galway supporters, most notably through the unforgettable All-Ireland Senior Championship triumph of 2017. Throughout his career, he has shown the deepest respect for the maroon and white jersey and for everyone it represents.
“We wish David, Laura, and their family every success and happiness in the years ahead.”
Paul Bellew, Chairperson Galway GAA said:
“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.”
