IT was the summer of 2008 and a teenager was making hay in the middle of the field for St Thomas’ in a senior hurling championship group game against Ardrahan in Loughrea.

The match ended in a draw, but it was the first time that David Burke registered in my hurling consciousness and for the next plus 15 years he stayed there.

David was still a minor and later in 2008 he would be an instrumental figure in St Thomas’ capturing their first – and still only – minor hurling A title, but on that evening in St Brendan’s Park over 17 years ago, I marked him down as a coming star.

It was his game management and vision which stood out for a player just starting off at this level. He already shaped like a leader and within two years David was on the Galway senior panel.

I was team manager at the time, but it was a no brainer to call him up. David had everything: great wrists; a classy stickman; a terrific reader of the play, a big-day temperament and the drive all great players must have.

In my two years working with him, he was utterly trouble free. Just a talented young player who wanted to do his best for Galway hurling. There was just something about him which made David stand out from the crowd.

And what a legacy he has left. The only All-Ireland winning Galway senior captain over nearly the past 40 years; three National Leagues; three Leinster titles, an All-Ireland U-21 and four All-Stars awards.

As team captain in 2017, he led and the rest followed. And what a display he served up against Waterford, giving a Man of the Match exhibition which was highlighted by four trademark points.

At club level, he was a colossus as St Thomas’ dominated the Galway championship in a manner we have probably never seen before. Eight county titles and two All-Irelands since 2012 brooks little argument. And David was at every rodeo.

His retirement announcement last Friday comes as no surprise. Injuries have taken their toll over the past couple of seasons, and he will be 36 in January. Nothing lasts forever.

It’s naturally a time of mixed emotions for his family and, as chance would have it, I bumped into his sister Deirdre in Dunne’s Stores in Briar Hill that same day.

She was a mixture of pride and sadness over David’s exit from the inter-county scene. His parents John, who was so instrumental in turning St Thomas’ into a powerhouse, and Paula, and his hurling brothers must be equally proud of him.

Announcing his retirement, David Burke said: Galway hurling has been an integral part of my life as far back as I can remember, both as a supporter and a player. It has been an honour to represent my county, club and family for 16 seasons at senior inter-county level.

“Throughout this time, I have shared a dressing room with great friends, teammates, 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. Playing at intercounty level takes a huge level of personal sacrifice and so I wish to take this opportunity to thank my wife, Laura, our two kids, my parents John and Paula, my sister, my brothers, in-laws and the St. Thomas’ community for their unwavering support and understanding of my commitment to Galway hurling.

Micheál Donoghue, Galway team manager, reflected on his former captain’s great contribution on the hurling fields. “In every way, David Burke has represented Galway GAA with the utmost distinction. 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 teammates when it mattered most. He will always be remembered for the immense pride and joy he brought to Galway supporters, most notably through the unforgettable All-Ireland title triumph of 2017.”

Paul Bellew, Chairperson of Galway GAA, also paid tribute. “On behalf of everyone in Galway GAA, I want to thank and congratulate David on an outstanding career in the maroon and white. One of our greatest ever players, he combined exceptional hurling ability with unrivalled leadership qualities, both on and off the field.

“He holds a unique distinction in being named Man of the Match in both All-Ireland senior inter-county and club finals, a true testament to his consistency and his ability to deliver on the biggest stages. He is a fantastic ambassador for Galway GAA and a pleasure to deal with over the past few years.”

Pictured: Galway team captain David Burke raises the Liam McCarthy Cup aloft during the homecoming celebrations for the victorious Galway senior and minor All-Ireland teams at Pearse Stadium in 2017.