PAUL GALVIN’S RETIREMENT as a Kerry senior footballer was confirmed by Kingdom manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice after today’s McGrath Cup clash in Killarney.

It marks the second time Galvin’s retirement has been announced after he previously called it a day in February 2014.

But Galvin made a sensational return last March to the Kerry setup and despite injuries hampering his 2015 campaign, he was introduced as a second-half substitute in last September’s All-Ireland final loss to Dublin.

On this occasion Galvin’s retirement decision looks to be definitive and that Dublin game will be his last appearance in Kingdom colours.

Speaking on Newstalk’s ‘Off The Ball’ last November, Galvin had hinted that work commitments would prevent him for getting involved again in 2016.

Paul Galvin takes to the field during last year's All-Ireland final. Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Kerry’s squad returned yesterday from a team holiday to Florida and after watching an experimental side lose to Clare this afternoon in Fitzgerald Stadium, Fitzmaurice confirmed to reporters that Galvin had retired for a second time.

But in better news for Kerry fans, Fitzmaurice did reveal that the rest of Kerry’s squad is available for action this year and that means veterans like Marc Ó Sé and Aidan O’Mahony are set to prolong their inter-county careers.

Aidan O'Mahony and Marc Ó Sé will be back in the Kerry ranks in 2015 Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO / INPHO

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