Blow for Louth as Lennon announces retirement

Shane Lennon fists past Laois goalkeeper Eoin Culleton in the Leinster Championship in 2013

Louth’s preparations for the New Year have been dealt a further blow following the announcement that Shane Lennon has retired from inter-county football.

The Kilkerley Emmets forward follows in the footsteps of Paddy Keenan in stepping away from the county side, leaving new boss Colin Kelly with two huge holes to fill in his first season in charge.

In an injury-interrupted career, Lennon was a virtual ever present in the side when fit having broken into the side back in 2004.

In that time he won a National League Division Two and Division Three title, a Tommy Murphy Cup and was part of the Louth side which reached the Leinster final in 2010.

Commenting on his decision to retire, Lennon said that he had to listen to his body after a series of injuries over the years.

“It is with deep regret that I am announcing my retirement from inter county football. I have thought long and hard about this decision and finally I had to start listening to my body.

“I have been honoured to pull on the red and white jersey and represent this incredible wee county. I have been involved in the Louth senior set up for the last 10 years and enjoyed every second of it. I soldiered beside some Louth legends and have met so many good friends both on and off the field through Louth GAA.

“Unfortunately in the last few years my career has become very stop start due to certain problems with my hips. Over the last 3 years I underwent two hip operations, and during 2014 this started to affect my day to day living. I was going from game to game and not being able to train during the week which was far from ideal for what is expected of a current inter county footballer. This was very frustrating for myself, management and also my team-mates.

“I would like to thank Val Andrews, Eamonn McEneaney, Peter Fitzpatrick and Aidan O’Rourke and their backroom staff for giving me the opportunity to represent Louth at senior level over the past few years. My greatest gratitude goes out to the County Boards past and present for their support and help and of course to the Louth fans that have travelled near and far supporting us through thick and thin, a big thank you.

“I have spoken thoroughly with Colin Kelly and he understands where I stand with my injuries and I wish him and his new backroom staff all the best for the coming seasons and I firmly believe the future is bright in the Wee County.

“I would also like to thank Kilkerley Emmets for all their help and the development they gave me from day one in my football career. A great club from top to bottom and I was honoured to represent them on the county team.

“Finally I would like to thank my girlfriend Linda and my family who have been always by my side whether it be Croke Park or the Gaelic Grounds their support was present. I will continue to work in my role as Games Development Administrator for Louth GAA and I will give my all to improving standards of GAA in the Wee County. I look forward to supporting Colin and his troops in 2015 and beyond,” said Lennon.

Louth star Paddy Keenan announces retirement from inter-county football

Paddy Keenan

Louth have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their 2015 campaign following the announcement by star midfielder Paddy Keenan that he is retiring from inter-county football.

The 29-year-old – who picked up an All-Star award in 2010 – said he was hanging up his boots because of work commitments, injuries and an inability to commit the necessary time.

One of the finest players to ever pull on the red jersey, Keenan – who turns 30 next month – will continue to play football for his club St Patrick’s, who have a Louth SFC final to look forward to.

His retirement leaves the new Louth manager – still to be announced following Aidan O’Rourke’s departure earlier this season – with a massive hole to fill ahead of the new campaign, which will see the Wee County compete in Division Three.

In a statement issued through the GPA, Paddy said: “I wish to announce my retirement from county football today. It is a decision that I have considered for some time and is not one which I’ve made lightly.

“Due to work commitments and the need to clear up some long-standing injuries, I feel I would be unable to devote the necessary time to the team and I believe now is the right time to call it a day.

“It was a huge honour for me to represent Louth for the past 12 years and I had the privilege of playing with and against so many great players. While we didn’t have the success we worked so hard for, I have only positive memories of my county career and the people who I soldiered alongside.

“Without the support of support of my girlfriend Karen and my family which has been, at all times, unconditional, I genuinely could not have played at this level and I am so grateful to them.

“I would like to thank my club St Patrick’s GFC who I was so proud to represent and I hope this decision will allow me to extend my club career for a few extra years. Thanks to the Louth supporters who have always shown great loyalty to me as a player and to our county squad despite experiencing many difficult periods on the field of play.

“I would like to pay tribute to all five Louth managers I played under for placing their faith in me as a footballer. Thanks also to the various management teams, backroom staff and of course the County Board for their support and kindness over the years.

“Finally, I wish the new Louth manager and the team all the best in the future and I look forward to supporting them from the sidelines next year.”

During his tenure for Louth, Keenan won a NFL Division Two medal in 2006, a Division Three medal in 2011 and the Tommy Murphy Cup in 2006.

He had also captained the county since 2010, having made his debut in 2003.