DOWN ARE ON the lookout for a new goalkeeper after Brendan McVeigh confirmed that he has hung up his gloves for good.
The former 2010 Allstar has said that family commitments and the modern demands of the sport are the major reasons for his decision.
The 35-year-old made his championship debut against Tyrone in 2005, going on to make the county’s number one jersey his own for the following nine years.
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Down attacker Benny Coulter led the tributes to his former team mate last night;
“Absolute pleasure to play with him for so long. The best about.”
While Armagh goalkeeper Phillip McEvoy also added his best wishes; “Good luck to Brendan on his retirement. Lucky to have stood in the opposite goals to him – top keeper.”
Big shout out to @brendanmcveigh1 on his retirement from @OfficialDownGAA .Absolute pleasure to play with him for so long.The best about.BAN— Benny Coulter (@Coulter12Benny) August 20, 2014
The TV engineer won his Allstar in 2010 after reaching that year’s All-Ireland final. Despite losing the eventual final to Cork, McVeigh was outstanding as Down progressed first through the qualifiers, and then overcame Kerry and Kildare to reach the final.
The An Riocht clubman told the Irish News that at one point he though it would be a harder decision to retire, “but I’ve a young family now and it’s a young man’s game.
“It’s tough going,” he added. “I’m 36 at my next birthday and it doesn’t get any easier. The demands are severe and if you don’t put the effort in you’ll get left behind.
“I know I’ve given my all and Down need something new in my department and maybe a few other departments as well,” he said.
“It’s time to step aside and let somebody else get a bite of the cherry.”
Down had already lost their manager James McCartan after he stepped down from the role last month. McCarton had managed the team for the past five seasons.
Down's former Allstar goalkeeper Brendan McVeigh has retired
DOWN ARE ON the lookout for a new goalkeeper after Brendan McVeigh confirmed that he has hung up his gloves for good.
The former 2010 Allstar has said that family commitments and the modern demands of the sport are the major reasons for his decision.
The 35-year-old made his championship debut against Tyrone in 2005, going on to make the county’s number one jersey his own for the following nine years.
Down attacker Benny Coulter led the tributes to his former team mate last night;
“Absolute pleasure to play with him for so long. The best about.”
While Armagh goalkeeper Phillip McEvoy also added his best wishes; “Good luck to Brendan on his retirement. Lucky to have stood in the opposite goals to him – top keeper.”
The TV engineer won his Allstar in 2010 after reaching that year’s All-Ireland final. Despite losing the eventual final to Cork, McVeigh was outstanding as Down progressed first through the qualifiers, and then overcame Kerry and Kildare to reach the final.
The An Riocht clubman told the Irish News that at one point he though it would be a harder decision to retire, “but I’ve a young family now and it’s a young man’s game.
“It’s tough going,” he added. “I’m 36 at my next birthday and it doesn’t get any easier. The demands are severe and if you don’t put the effort in you’ll get left behind.
“It’s time to step aside and let somebody else get a bite of the cherry.”
Down had already lost their manager James McCartan after he stepped down from the role last month. McCarton had managed the team for the past five seasons.
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brendan mcveigh Championship 2014 GAA Retirement Down top stopper