Karl McKeegan has brought the curtain down on his 10-year Antrim hurling career.

The Cushendall clubman, who won 10 Ulster SHC medals and captained the Saffrons to a Christy Ring Cup win in 2006, said it wasn't a decision he took lightly.

"I have done a fair bit of thinking over this past few weeks and I just felt, at 33, it gets harder every year," the defender told the Irish News.

"Jerry (Wallis, Antrim's new manager) is going to look for a big commitment this year. I thought to myself that I couldn't do it. I can't see myself being out on a pitch for two or three months so that made my mind up."

McKeegan, who follows Ciaran Herron into retirement, will continue to line out for Cushendall.

"The club has been good to me over the last 10 years when I have been with the county and they have supported me," he continued.

"Now I would like to give them as best I can. I still feel I have a good bit to offer and I want to give that back to the club. I just think you can't do both when you get to my age - it gets harder.

"I would love to (play on), but I just don't think I could give it the full commitment. I think if you can't give it the full commitment, then you definitely shouldn't be there. That's why I have decided to step down." Tweet

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