Graham Cummins announces retirement after drawing curtain on 15-year professional career

Former Cork City, Cobh Ramblers and Preston North End striker Graham Cummins has retired from professional football at the age of 32.

Cummins, who ended his third spell with the Leesiders earlier this week, revealed the news in a post on social media.

“Well it looks like Barcelona and Real Madrid missed the boat because after 14 years of being a professional footballer I’ve decided to retire from playing professionally,” the post read.

Cummins had two spells in the League of Ireland either side of a five-year stint in England and Scotland.

The Cork man represented his hometown club across three different spells while he also donned the colours of Cobh, Waterford and Shamrock Rovers.

During his time in the UK, the striker who finished his career as a defender played for Preston, Rochdale, Exeter and St Johnstone.

 

Cummins continued his statement, revealing his pride for his career while also admitting the need to think of a career outside of football.

“It was always my dream to be a professional footballer and I’ve had a career I’m very proud of. I’ve had so much highs but also lows.



“At 32, I’ve come to a stage in my life where I had to think of a career besides being a footballer.”

Cummins acknowledged in the post that he will miss playing professionally but is looking forward to other things that life has to offer.

“I will miss it but can’t wait now to eat and drink as much as I want and more importantly spend time with my family and not miss out on events that I’ve had to over soccer.”

He finished out the post by thanking his family for their support during his career.

“I want to thank my family because what I achieved wouldn’t have been possible without their support and especially a big thank you to my wife, who’s made a lot of sacrifices to be by my side through the journey. It’s been a pleasure.”

Although Cummins has retired from playing professionally we could see him line up as an amateur with a Munster Senior League side.



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