Burke lifted the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 2017, ending Galway’s 29-year wait for an All-Ireland title
Galway’s David Burke(Image: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo)
Galway’s All-Ireland-winning captain David Burke has retired from inter-county hurling at the age of 35.
Burke lifted the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 2017, ending Galway’s 29-year wait for an All-Ireland title.
The St Thomas’ club man played senior inter-county hurling for 16 years and also won three Leinster Championship titles.
Burke scored 1-02 when Galway claimed their first-ever Leinster title in 2012, defeating Kilkenny in the final.
He was instrumental when Galway ended their long All-Ireland wait in 2017, producing a man-of-the-match performance in the final against Waterford.
Burke won four All-Star awards (2012, 2015, 2016 and 2017), although injuries began to plague him later in his career.
He also enjoyed plenty of success with his club, helping St Thomas’ win six Galway titles in a row between 2018 and 2023, as well as two All-Ireland triumphs, in 2013 and 2024.
He said: “I have shared a dressing room with great friends, team-mates, managers, coaches and backroom personnel, in particular Micheál Donoghue, for having faith in me to help lead the county to All-Ireland success in 2017.”
Burke added: “There were incredible heights and excruciating lows, but the privilege was never lost on me or taken for granted. Gaillimh Abú!”
Donoghue, who managed Galway to their 2017 All-Ireland success, heaped praise on his former captain.
“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 team-mates when it mattered most.”