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McKeever with McGeeney after Armagh's Qualifier victory over Kildare. Donall Farmer/INPHO
CALLING IT A DAY

Ciarán McKeever announces inter-county retirement

The 34-year old has been part of the Armagh squad since 2003.

AFTER 14 YEARS of inter-county football, Armagh’s Ciarán McKeever has announced his retirement.

The 34-year old was part of the Orchard County’s 2004 U21 All-Ireland winning team and helped the senior side to National League success the following year.

However, the St Patrick’s clubman has been considering retirement for some time and met with Kieran McGeeny at the end of 2016, after undergoing two operations, but decided to give it one more year.

But following Armagh’s exit from the All-Ireland senior football championship at the hands of Tyrone earlier this month, a game in which he came on as a substitute after 55 minutes, he has decided to call it a day.

In a statement released through the Gaelic Players Association today, McKeever said:

“It was always my dream to represent Armagh growing up so it’s with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from inter-county football today

It has been a great honour to have been part of the Armagh squad from 2003-2017, as captain for six of those years, and this is not a decision I have arrived at lightly.

“I would like to thank every Armagh manager who I have worked under and all county board officials for their continued support throughout my career.

“Also to my club St Patrick’s Cullyhanna, in particular Ciarán McConville who gave up so much of his time to develop my game.

I’d like to pay special thanks to Kieran McGeeney, who I always looked up to as a youngster from my days travelling to watch Armagh play.

“When I joined the squad in 2003, he took me under his wing and helped me develop as a player, he taught me what commitment and values were required to play for Armagh and I’m glad my journey has ended under his watch.

“I’d like to wish Kieran and the Armagh squad all the best in 2018 and into the future.”

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‘I’d hate to see a guy miss out on All-Ireland final day because of something like this’

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