“Having reflected on my position over the past few months I wish to announce my retirement from inter-county football," he said.

“It is not a decision I have taken lightly - wearing the Dublin jersey has been of paramount importance in my life for over a decade.

"I was privileged to play for Dublin and the experience of winning an All-Ireland medal in 2011 will be one I will cherish forever.

“However, having played 11 Championship seasons with Dublin, I now feel the time is right to hang up my inter-county boots. I must also consider the development of my career outside of football.

The 31-year-old St. Brigid's clubman, who works as a GAA/GPA Business Development Manager, leaves the top rung of Gaelic football with one All-Ireland Championship medal, eight Leinster Championship medals, two Interprovincial Championship medals and an All-Star award from 2007.

Cahill showed his versatility by playing in both defence and attack for Dublin, although he will be most remembered as a high quality wing back - the position he was an All-Star in six years ago.

He served under three different Dublin managers - Tommy Lyons, Paul Caffrey and Pat Gilroy - and lined out at centre forward when the Dubs lifted the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time since 1995, famously playing with a broken toe in the final against Kerry.

He added: "I will continue to play football with St. Brigid’s and am delighted to focus my efforts with my club who, having nurtured me as a young player, have always supported me with my commitment to county football.

“I was fortunate to play alongside some fantastic footballers and make some great friends during my career.

“I would like to thank all those who supported me during that period, in particular the three Dublin managers under whom I played - all contributed to my development both as a player and indeed a person.

"There were many others behind the scenes, backroom staff, medical teams and officials who worked on our behalf and I would like to extend my thanks to them all."

Reports surfaced last month linking Cahill with a return to the Dublin set-up for the current Allianz League campaign, but his appearance as a second half substitute in last July's Leinster final against Meath will go down as his final game for the county.

“Dublin have incredible supporters and I am very grateful to them for the encouragement they always gave to me and my team mates, in both good and bad times," he added.

“Behind every player is a network of support and fundamental to that group is my own family and my wife Suzie. I would like to thank them sincerely for everything. Finally, I would like to wish Jim Gavin and his Dublin squad the very best of luck for the season ahead.”