Kenny Cunningham — Irish Athlete born on June 28, 1971,

Kenneth Edward "Kenny" Cunningham is an Irish former footballer who played as a defender. He played international football for the Republic of Ireland until his retirement in 2005. He spent his entire professional club career, from 1989 to 2007, in England, making more than 500 appearances in the Football League and Premier League playing for Millwall, Wimbledon, Birmingham City and Sunderland... (wikipedia)

I became more confident within myself and matured as a person and become a little bit more opinionated - maybe the lads might say a little bit too opinionated for their liking but that is just a natural progression for a player.
Looking back I find it hard to believe that I could forge a career in anything other than football but I didn't do too badly in my final exams and there were a few business-related courses that interested me.
I am hugely proud to have played for Ireland.
It will be difficult to let go but it is going to happen sooner rather than later in my case.
I never felt I would get to the stage where I would to have to actively think about retiring from international football as I always thought it would pass me by.