Meehan ends glorious Galway career

ONE OF Galway’s favourite senior footballers for the past 15 years, Declan Meehan, has announced his retirement from inter-county action.

Meehan, older brother of team captain Michael, informed manager Tomás Ó Flatharta of his decision at training on Tuesday night.

Meehan had surgery on a long standing shoulder injury recently and with a few months of rehab ahead, he decided it was time to call it a day on his county involvement.

“I will be 35 next week and nothing lasts forever. I have had a few niggling injuries over the past while and that helps to make up your mind.

“I really enjoyed my time playing with Galway and it was something I always loved doing. We had some fantastic years, with 1998 and 2001 the two obvious highlights, and winning the All-Ireland with my club, Caltra, is another wonderful memory to have.

“I was fortunate to play on some successful teams and with some terrific players like Paul Clancy, Padraic Joyce, Ja Fallon, Kevin Walsh, Seán Óg De Paor and Kieran Fitzgerald to name just a few, and while we have not had as much success in the past few years it has still been hugely enjoyable. I will miss it. I have no doubt about that.”

Meehan has always been one of the most popular and respected players on the Galway panel due to his commitment, honesty and attacking style of football.

Numerous managers such as John O’Mahony, Peter Forde, Liam Sammon and Joe Kernan always found a spot for him on their teams and he enjoyed a productive career since his debut under Bosco McDermott in the Connacht championship at wing-forward in 1996.

The Caltra star was honoured with All-Stars in both 2000 and 2001 for his excellence, and he was also Player of the Year in 2001.

He was an attacking wing-back and few will forget the glorious goal he scored against Kerry in the All-Ireland final replay of 2000. He also represented Ireland in the International rules series in 2002.

Meehan’s commitment to Galway’s cause over the past fifteen years has been exemplary and he was also a central player for Caltra in their drive to All-Ireland success in 2004, defeating An Ghaeltacht in the final.

Meehan also won an All-Ireland colleges medal from centre-back with St Jarlath’s College in 1994.