Innings, not winnings count as Quane retires

FOURTEEN years after making his debut, Limerick’s outstanding midfielder John Quane has finally decided to retire from inter-county football.

In that period Quane failed to win a championship medal with Limerick being beaten in three Munster finals, 1991, 2003 and 2004, by Kerry.

John’s only rewards from a game he adorned with grace and dignity were a Railway Cup medal in 1990, an All Star nomination which earned him a trip the States, and becoming member of the Ireland Compromised Rules squad which defeated Australia in 2001.

“It’s not about winning medals,” said Quane, “more about participating and playing to your capabilities. I’ve had a tremendous innings, made a lot of friends, and while it would have been nice to have won at least one Munster title, I’m departing with no regrets.”

Quane is a farmer near Mitchelstown and plays his club football with the Galtee Gaels club at intermediate level.

He got married earlier this year and at 33 years of age, has found the preparation for senior inter-county football too severe.

“There is only so much the body can take and you can only put up with it for so long. I’ve been struggling with back and leg injuries in the last two years and they are taking longer to heal.

“I’ve had a great innings, particularly the last few years when it looked as if Limerick would made the big breakthrough. We got our chance in this year’s final at the Gaelic Grounds and in Killarney in the replay, to finally lay the Kerry bogey to rest, but it wasn’t to be.

“I had intended to step down last year but was persuaded to stay on for another year in the hope that we could win that coveted Munster title. It’s disappointing we didn’t because there had been a huge effort put in by all the lads and they deserved something from the game.

“There are a number of memories I will take with me. Beating Cork in the Munster semi-final last year in Páirc Uí Chaoimh will top the list.

“It’s time to move aside now and let the younger players have a go at it. Obviously I’m going to miss it, but I’ll have more than enough to occupy my time looking after the farm.”

John Quane joins a never-ending list of magnificent inter-county footballers never to win a championship medal, but the endless hours of entertainment he gave followers of the game won’t be easily forgotten.