ONE OF THE central figures in Down’s march to the 2010 All-Ireland senior football final has retired.
After 13 seasons with the Mourne county, forward Mark Poland has brought his Down senior football career to an end.
Poland made the announcement last night on his Instagram account:
Thanks to all who helped me on my journey. Wearing the red & black was an honour. #over&out #andúnabú
Poland made a huge contribution to Down’s attacking play, most notably in 2010. That season from centre-forward he struck 0-3 against Donegal, 0-2 against Tyrone, 0-3 against Longford, 0-2 against Sligo and 1-2 in their surprise quarter-final victory over Kerry.
The 32-year-old’s early goal was the springboard for that win over the then reigning All-Ireland champions Kerry.
Poland chipped in with 0-3 in the semi-final success against Kildare and raised a white flag in the eventual narrow final loss to Cork.
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The Longstone club man was restricted to substitute appearances in the 2017 season, sprung from the bench in Down’s Ulster championship ties as they qualified for the final where they were overturned by Tyrone.
Poland’s last outing came in Croke Park at the end of July when Down were defeated by Monaghan in their All-Ireland Round 4B qualifier.
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