Kildare star Dermot Earley has announced his inter county retirement after 17-years in a Lilywhite jersey.

Earley, who will turn 35 this summer has suffered knee and back injuries over the past two years which have forced him to make the decision.

The Sarsfields player, son of the legendary Roscommon player Dermot, won two Leinster titles and two All Star awards in a career in which he was regarded as one of the finest midfield players of his generation. He played in the Lilywhites All-Ireland final defeat to Galway in 1998.

He made his debut in 1997, the year of the famous three game saga against Meath. His recent injuries meant that his last championship start was in the 2010 All-Ireland quarter-final although he has figured a substitute in the 2011 and 2012 championships.

Earley, had he played on this summer would have been the country's longest serving intercounty player.

Confirming the news on Newstalk Radio today, Earley said: "It's disappointing because, of course, it's a serious injury that does have a long rehab plan. To rehab it correctly - I just don't have enough time to do it this season to do it. I had said it was going be my last season anyway, so unfortunately this operation has really ended my inter-county career. I'm quite sad about it but at the same time I'm happy enough to make that decision.

"You'd like to finish on your own terms and go out on the playing field.

"Your health is your wealth. My body has been through over the last number of years and I think this is just the right decision to give it a rest and let it heal properly." Tweet

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