Wexford stalwart Diarmuid O’Keefe has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling, more than 12 years after first lining out at senior level in the Purple and Gold.
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.’
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,’ he stated.
Cathaoirleach of CLG Loch Garman, Micheál Martin, has also paid a glowing tribute.
‘Dee has been one of Wexford’s most consistent performers for over a decade and always shone on the big days for both club and county,’ he said.
‘His All-Star recognition in 2019 was a fitting testament to his skill, work ethic, and commitment, but his contributions went far beyond individual accolades. On the field he displayed tremendous courage and tenacity and was never found wanting in the heat of battle, while off the field he was a fantastic ambassador for Wexford hurling. On behalf of all in CLG Loch Garman, I thank Diarmuid for his dedication and service to Wexford, and wish him well for the future.’
