An ongoing back complaint has forced Clare's All-Ireland winning captain of 1995 and '97 Anthony Daly to bring his long intercounty career to an end. The inspirational wing-back turned up for pre-season training but a nagging back injury has been irritating him for some time now and he eventually succumbed to medical advice in making a decision to end his days in the saffron and blue. "I've been very lucky with injuries but the back has always been a problem," explained the Clarecastle man. "I went back this year intending to give it a final lash but after a weekend in the Burren at a training camp I was crippled. I was feeling fairly good but once we started hurling the back flared up." If his back allows, Daly hopes to continue playing with Clarecastle. "I'd love to win another championship with the club," he added. Daly's departure is a blow to the Banner County's prospects for this year. A senior debutant in 1989, he has been captain since 1994, lifting the Liam McCarthy twice and earning three All Star awards. He had threatened retirement at the beginning of last year before making a return but this time it looks to be permanent. Tweet

Most Read Stories