Former Footballer of the Year Declan Meehan has announced his inter-county retirement after 14 years in a Galway jersey.

The veteran Galway wing back, who won All-Ireland medals with Galway in 1998 and 2001, and All-Ireland club honours with Caltra in 2004, informed new Galway manager Tomas O Flatharta of his decision on Tuesday night.

A member of a famous Caltra and Galway football dynasty, Meehan has cited ongoing injury problems as his reason for quitting.

He told The Irish Examiner: "I will be 35 next week and nothing lasts forever. I have had a few niggling injuries over the past while and that helps to make up your mind.

"I really enjoyed my time playing with Galway and it was something I always loved doing. We had some fantastic years, with 1998 and 2001 the two obvious highlights, and winning the All-Ireland with my club, Caltra, is another wonderful memory I have.

"I was fortunate to play on some successful teams and with some terrific players like Paul Clancy, Padraic Joyce, Ja Fallon, Kevin Walsh, Sean Og de Paor and Kieran Fitzgerald to name just a few, and while we have not had as much success in the past few years, it has still been hugely enjoyable. I will miss it. I have no doubt about that."

A Hogan Cup medallist with St. Jarlath's College in 1994, Meehan was handed his Connacht SFC debut by Bosco McDermott two years later at wing forward. He won All-Star awards in 2000 and 2001 and was also Player of the Year in the latter year. He also represented Ireland in the International Rules series in 2002.

A brilliant attacking wing back, Meehan scored a memorable goal in the 2000 All-Ireland final replay against Kerry, which the Tribesmen lost. Tweet

Most Read Stories