THOMAS BARR has announced his retirement insisting he has cherished every moment.
Barr, 32, spent the winter considering his future and continuing until the Tokyo World Championships in September.
But he has now decided the time is right to hang up his spikes after a magical 2024.
He was part of the mixed 4×400 relay team that won World Relay bronze and European gold.
Individually, Barr also retires as the Irish record holder over 400 metre hurdles of 47.97 that he set when finishing fourth at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
He also won bronze at the European Athletics Championships in 2018 and remains the only Irish male sprinter to medal in the event.
Barr said: “I have loved the sport from the day I joined Ferrybank AC as a young boy.
“I have cherished every moment, from winning national championships to breaking Irish records and representing my country on the European and World stage.
“I will never forget finishing fourth in the Rio Olympic Games and winning bronze at the European Championships in the 400m Hurdles.
“My final year gave me some magical moments; being on the mixed relay team that won a World medal and secured victory at the European Championships was incredible.
“I am grateful to Athletics Ireland and the team management for their support throughout my career.
“ A big thank to you to the athletics community and the public who have cheered me on in both the good and bad times.
“As I close this chapter, I look forward to what the future holds and hope to stay connected to the sport that has shaped my life.”
He represented Ireland at three Olympic Games, with his first being at Rio 2016 at which he finished fourth in the 400m hurdles final with a still-standing Irish record.
In 2024 was his final year competing as an international athlete.
And he marked it in style, competing at Paris 2024 on top of the aforementioned mixed relay gold medal in Rome and bronze in the Bahamas.
President of Athletics Ireland, John Cronin led the tributes to whom he called an inspiration to future generations.
Conlan said: “I would like to wish Thomas all the best in his retirement on what has been a remarkable athletics career.
“He has been a credit to himself, his family, his club, coaches, and support team both on and off the track since breaking onto the scene all those years ago.
“His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of Irish athletes.”
