St. Eunan's defender Mark McGowan has been forced to hang up his boots at the age of just 25.

McGowan took the decision on medical advice from Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Jonathan Bunn, who operated on his hip nearly two years ago.

"I'd an operation on my left hip in Santry in February 2012, but the injury has been at me since and I was advised it was best not to continue playing," the wing back explained to the Donegal Democrat.

"It's very disappointing as I really enjoy playing with St. Eunan's, but couldn't get back to full fitness."

McGowan was named in Jim McGuinness' county panel in 2012, but was forced to withdraw because of his hip surgery and missed out on an All-Ireland medal as a result.

"I would love to play as long as I could and even try and get back into contention for the Donegal panel. But it's not to be and I'd like to wish everyone at St. Eunan's all the best and I'll certainly be cheering them on in the future," added McGowan, who made his sole senior championship appearance for Donegal as a substitute against Roscommon in 2008. Tweet

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