Experienced Kildare defender Peter Kelly has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

The Two Mile House clubman crowned an impressive debut season for the Lilywhites in 2010 with an All-Star award at corner back. After recovering from a cruciate ligament injury which forced him to miss the entire 2011 season, Kelly reestablished himself as one of the top defenders in the game. 

The 32-year-old enjoyed far more success at club level, having won Leinster and All-Ireland JFC honours with Two Mile House in 2013. He also won a Leinster club IFC medal in 2018.

"The curtain has come down on my inter-county career. It has been an honour and a privilege to fulfil a childhood dream in wearing the white for over a decade," Kelly said when confirming his decision on Twitter tonight.

"I have soldiered with some of the best people I will ever meet and made lifelong friends. Firstly I would like to thank the supporters who were always there through thick and thin.

Kildare's 2010 All-Star winners John Doyle and Peter Kelly. ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan.

"Although we never reached the Promised Land in my time, there were many great days; sometimes it's not about the destination but the journey itself. I would also like to thank the various management and backroom teams (particularly those acting in a voluntary capacity), who never left a stone unturned to ensure the players were given the best opportunity on the pitch.

"Finally a sincere and heartfelt thanks to my club, friends and family for their unconditional support and encouragement over the years. I would like to wish the current Kildare team all the best in the upcoming league and championship and also in the future. Cill Dara abú!" 

One chapter closes.. pic.twitter.com/IryHZc4iNh

— Peter Kelly (@PeterKe67945662) September 23, 2020

💛💚We wish Peter Kelly the best of luck on his retirement from Intercounty Football. We are an extremely fortunate club to have Peter as a member & player. He is a true inspiration to all our younger players, as well as a leader among his peers. We have only ever felt pride https://t.co/28kl6dnHc6

— Two Mile House GAA (@TwoMileHouseGAA) September 23, 2020

 

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