Tipperary goalkeeper steps down from inter-county football

Veteran ‘keeper Paul Fitzgerald has hung up his gloves after the Tipperary championship season ended with their defeat to Galway.

The 36-year-old has been a devoted footballer for the county for close to 20 years, having won a Munster minor football championship in 1995.

The Fethard club man made his championship debut against Kerry in 2005 and in 2009 was part of the side that won the National Football League Division 3 title.

He retires after a season that saw Tipperary win the National Football League Division 4 title and make it to the final 12 in the All-Ireland series.

Best wishes to Paul Fitzgerald in his retirement from Inter-County Football. A true Premier Legend

— Fethard GAA Club (@FethardGAAClub) August 6, 2014

Speaking to The Score the player said he was happy with his decision to retire.

“I’ve had a decent career and this has been a decent year,” said Fitzgerald. “ I’d rather go on a good note rather than go when things are going bad. The timing is right for me and right for the future of the goalkeeping position as well.”

Tipp footballers hav a big gap to fill after Paul Fitzgerald retired. Super keeper and Premier role model. Great guy who gave it his all.

— Noel Dundon (@NoelDundon) August 6, 2014

@paulcollinstipp @sportsdes a great tipperary goalie announced his retirement tonight from intercounty ftb paul Fitzgerald

— Brian tyrrell (@Brianty123) August 5, 2014