Meehan calls time on Galway career

Declan Meehan has announced his retirement from senior inter-county football, bringing an end to his 14-year career with the Galway senior footballers.

With the Tribesmen, the former Footballer of the Year won two All-Ireland SFC medals in defence in 1998 and 2001, while he also added All-Ireland club honours with Caltra in 2004.

He informed new Galway manager Tomas Ó Flatharta of his decision on Tuesday night, and has cited ongoing injury problems as his reason for ending his inter-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," he told the Irish Examiner.

"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 I have.

"I was fortunate to play on some successful teams and with some terrific players like Paul Clancy, Padraic Joyce, Ja Fallon, Kevin Walsh, Sean Og 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."

Incoming Galway manager Ó Flatharta believes Meehan's decision to call time on his career is a huge blow to the Tribesmen.

"Declan was a great servant to Galway football. It would be a tough decision for him, but he recently had an operation on his shoulder and is facing into three or four months of rehab with it," he explained.

"He came to me the other night with his decision and I asked him to take some time and give it consideration, but he had his mind made up.

"I informed the players afterwards and it was tough for some of them to take. There were plenty of good things said about Declan and a great round of applause for him. He was a very committed player and will be a big loss."

Meehan showed early promise when claiming a Hogan Cup medal with St. Jarlath's College in 1994.

He made his Connacht SFC debut at wing forward for Galway two years later, under then manager Bosco McDermott.

Meehan won All-Star awards in 2000 and 2001 and was also Player of the Year in 2001. He represented Ireland in the International Rules Series in 2002.