With many top performers' futures up in the air, this might not be the final blow to Dessie Farrell's team either. Michael Fitzsimons and Stephen Cluxton, who are currently playing for Cuala in the Leinster Championship and are nine-time All-Ireland winners, have not yet disclosed their plans.

At least two other well-known, long-serving celebrities are reportedly assessing their prospects in sky blue.

Dessie Farrell's team, who fell to Galway in this year's All-Ireland quarterfinal—the first time they hadn't advanced to the final four since Kerry's 'the startled earwigs' loss in the 2009 All-Ireland quarterfinal—may have to undergo a significant rebuilding effort as a result of an exodus.

There may be additional announcements soon as the day for the return to collective training on December 7 draws near.

The 31-year-old Fenton has won the Footballer of the Year title twice, the game's top individual distinction, and has been named an All-Ireland winner seven times and an All Star six times.

After winning his first Sam Maguire in 2015, the Raheny clubman went six years without losing a Championship match. Fenton is considered by many to be among Dublin's greatest players and one of the game's greatest midfielders.