Galway’s leading goal-scorer Damien Hayes retires

Galway hurler and three-time All-Star Damien Hayes has retired from inter-county hurling.

The corner-forward, who turns 33 next month, leaves as Galway’s leading championship goal-scorer - scoring 25 goals in 52 appearances.

He has been a member of the Galway Senior panel for 14 seasons and in that time won two National Leagues and played in All-Ireland finals in 2005 and 2012.

He will be remembered particularly for this brilliant individual goal in the 2010 National League final

He won All Stars in 2005, 2010 and 2012.

Hayes released a statement through the GPA.

Galway's three-time hurling Allstar Damien Hayes announces retirment from county game http://t.co/vyni4yWg6g pic.twitter.com/jYE3bF8hTP

— GPA (@gaelicplayers) January 9, 2015

“I’ve loved my time with Galway and don’t regret a single minute of it” he said. “Not winning an All-Ireland was unfortunate. But I see that as a disappointment, not the end of the world.

“I’m extremely proud to have won a Leinster and two National League medals, I made great friends in the Galway dressing-room and I will always back the current players to win that first All-Ireland since 1988.”

Hayes has won four All-Ireland club titles with Portumna and will continue to play for the side.

Galway's Damien Hayes becomes the latest to announce his retirement from intercounty hurling. A class act in full flight #GAA

— Derrick Lynch (@DLynchSport) January 9, 2015