Kildare's Eamonn Callaghan has announced his retirement from inter-county football after 17 years of service with the Lilywhites.

The 35-year-old confirmed the news on Twitter early this afternoon and thanked "the passionate Kildare supporters for all their loyalty over the years".

Callaghan made his senior debut under Mick O'Dwyer in 2002 and was also a key part of the team which reached the All-Ireland SFC semi-finals in 2010, losing out to Down at Croke Park.

He described last month's Round 3 qualifier victory over Mayo in Newbridge as the best day in his career.

"It is with a heavy heart that my time has come to call it a day with the Kildare senior footballers," read his statement on Twitter. "I've been very fortunate to have had such a lengthy career representing my county, getting the opportunity to captain Kildare in that time, represent my country and create memories of a lifetime.

"I would like to thank all the managers and backroom teams who have guided me over the last 17 years. It has been an absolute privilege and a dream come true to have played alongside some of the best footballers in the country.

"I will miss the craic with the lads but I'm grateful to have shared a dressing room with them over the years and for the close friends I have made in that time.

"I would like to thank the passionate Kildare supporters for all their loyalty over the years, it was an honour to put on the white jersey to represent you and the support you give the team is always appreciated."

Time for the next chapter pic.twitter.com/lxJ5DaT2DO

- Eamonn Callaghan (@leperleper) August 11, 2018

Thanks to Eamonn Callaghan for his
commitment & dedication to the Kildare Senior Football team over the last 17 years.A fantastic leader on & off the field.

We wish him & his family the very best of luck in the future https://t.co/wlCRgDQ5DC

- Kildare GAA (@KildareGAA) August 11, 2018

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