Dean Rock: It was important for younger players that Dubs won in 2023

Dublin's 2023 All-Ireland victory was perceived in some quarters as a last heist for the 2010s generation, after which there would be a general exodus.

In the event, only Dean Rock retired for good, though significantly, corner-back Davy Byrne opted to take a year out to go travelling.

Rock's retirement announcement was released last month, after 11 championship seasons which yielded eight All-Ireland medals.

He wasn't set on retirement from the beginning of the year, rather it was a feeling that developed over the course of the summer.

"I don't think (I was) throughout the whole season. Obviously in the beginning, you’re not even thinking about that," Rock told RTÉ Sport.

"When it comes to the knockout stages of the competition, that’s when you’re starting to think, 'Jeez, this could be my last time going on a training camp to Carton House, or it could be my last time going to training on a Friday evening.’ Whatever the case may be.

"I think I was coming to terms with it, I did kind of realise throughout the summer that it would be my last year. I obviously just enjoyed that time for what it was and made the most of it.

"Thankfully, we got over the line and there were huge celebrations after that."

After a flat 2022 season, Rock's influence was confined to cameo roles in 2023, though he did manage to force home the only goal of the semi-final at the death against Monaghan and did tap over the final point of the summer against Kerry.

Recovering the All-Ireland crown was seen as especially important for the older lads coming to the end - the story of how they resolved to get the 2010s crew back at James McCarthy's wedding is well worn - but Rock stresses it was more important for the younger lads on the panel. With one All-Ireland