PAUL GALVIN’S RETIREMENT after a compelling career with Kerry was confirmed yesterday by manager Éamonn Fitzmaurice.
He previously retired in February 2014 before performing a u-turn last year on that decision.
This time it looks like the final chapter has been written in Galvin’s playing career, offering the chance to reflect on the playing days of the iconic Gaelic footballer.
1. The early days with the Kerry senior side for Galvin – against Tyrone in the league in 2003
2. There would be plenty more showdowns with Tyrone
Defeat in the 2005 All-Ireland final
Defeat in the 2008 All-Ireland final
Victory in the 2012 All-Ireland qualifier
3. But four days of glory in All-Ireland finals reflected Galvin’s huge success
2004 against Mayo
2006 against Mayo
2007 against Cork
2009 against Cork
4. Galvin played under four Kerry senior managers but it was Jack O’Connor that his career was best associated with
5. Galvin was embroiled in disciplinary controversies after playing Clare in 2008 and Cork in 2010
6. There was plenty famous tussles with Cork rival Noel O’Leary
7. Away from Kerry, Galvin featured in the International Rules in 2004 and 2006
8. He was part of a UCC squad that won Cork and Munster club titles in 1999
9. For his club Finuge, Galvin starred in the local environs of the North Kerry championship, the Kerry club stage and an All-Ireland junior final in Croke Park
10. He turned his hand to coaching and helped St Brendan’s Killarney reach the Hogan Cup final in 2010
11. Galvin’s capabilities were recognised in 3 Allstar awards and being crowned the 2009 Footballer of the Year
12. His later years with Kerry were marked by disappointing defeats against Dublin
2011 All-Ireland final
2013 All-Ireland semi-final
13. Last March, Galvin made a surprising u-turn and rejoined the Kerry camp before making his 2015 championship bow in the Munster final replay
14. But there was to be no fairytale ending for Galvin with Dublin boss Jim Gavin consoling him last September