Adamstown native Kevin Doyle brought the curtain down on a long and successful career tonight when he announced his retirement from club and International football due to persistent headaches brought on by concussion.

A career that began in Adamstown as an Under Ten and moved through League of Ireland to the English Premier League and ultimately to the MLS saw the Wexford man pick up 64 Senior caps, scoring 14 goals and became an inspiration to several young players in Wexford in particular, and Ireland in general

He put Wexford soccer on the map and was the most high profile player to come out of the county ever and showed several players that a strong work ethic, dedication and commitment can see any young player realise his or her dream

Ireland manager Martin O’Neill heaped praise on Doyle for his professional attitude on and off the pitch, saying: “I am disappointed to hear that Kevin has had to retire from football.

“Kevin was extremely popular with all of the players in the Irish camp and he was an excellent professional, who has served his clubs and country very well during his career.”

FAI CEO John Delaney described Doyle as a “great servant” for the Ireland team and acknowledged his years of service to Irish football, which saw him line out for St Patrick’s Athletic and Cork City before moving to England and then the United States.

“I am very saddened to hear of Kevin’s decision to retire from football and I would like to pay tribute to one of the most hard-working and dedicated players to have represented the Republic of Ireland,” said Delaney.

“Kevin is one of the great Irish goalscorers of all time, who gave everything for his country. You could see that he appreciated every minute that he had on the pitch in a green jersey.

“He made his mark in the League of Ireland and quickly transferred those talents to the international stage. Kevin was a great servant for his country and I wish him and his family the very best for the future.

“We would like to pay tribute to Kevin at the Aviva Stadium for his immense contribution to Irish football, at a time that is appropriate for him.”

Wexford Soccer Monthly will do a full profile of Kevin in the coming days and would like to join everyone in Wexford soccer in wishing him the best of luck for the future

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