Conal Keaney: Michael Darragh Macauley was one of the greatest midfielders

Keaney will wait until the clamour dies down before personally congratulating 34-year-old Macauley on a remarkable career

Michael Darragh MacAuley of Dublin lifts the Sam Maguire Cup after the All-Ireland final. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Conal Keaney has hailed his Ballyboden St Enda’s club-mate Michael Darragh Macauley as one of Gaelic football’s greatest ever midfielders following his inter-county retirement.

In understated fashion, Dublin’s eight-time All-Ireland SFC winner Macauley confirmed his decision on social media - “Sin é uaimse. Míle buíochas ó chroí”. The 2013 footballer of the year also claimed five National Leagues, 10 Leinsters and two All-Stars.