Knee problem forces O'Keeffe to quit inter-county scene

DECLAN O'KEEFFE has quit inter-county football after eight years at the top with Kerry.

The Rathmore goalkeeper won two All-Ireland medals and played a starring role in Ireland's 1999 success in Australia in the International Rules Series.

Outlining the reason last night behind his decision - one accepted with regret by Kerry manager Jack O'Connor - O'Keeffe explained it had been forced on him by a recurring knee problem. He also believed it was an opportune time to walk away.