By Cian O'Connell

Galway's Gareth Bradshaw has retired from inter-county football.

The Maigh Cuilinn clubman made his senior debut for Galway in 2007, winning three Connacht Championships.

"After taking the time to consider my future since the end of the 2020 inter-county season, I have now decided to retire from playing football for Galway," Bradshaw says. "It’s been an absolute privilege to represent the county's flagship football team for 14 years, an honour which I never took for granted."

Bradshaw also acknowleged the role played by former colleague Padraic Joyce, who is now in charge of the Galway footballers.

"To Padraic, I would like to thank you for the opportunity and support that you gave me over the last 12 months in what was an unprecedented year in 2020 and I wish you and the team the very best going forward," Bradshaw remarked. "Furthermore, I would also like to thank all the previous managers whom I played under who entrusted me with the Galway jersey."

Joyce paid tribute to Bradshaw, who was a key figure in Maigh Cuilinn's 2020 Galway SFC success.

"I was a teammate of Gareth 14 years ago in 2007 when he made his debut for the Galway Senior Football team," Joyce recalls. 

"He is an outstanding footballer and he played every game with real passion and drive. He always gave everything for his club Moycullen and Galway Football. 

"He sacrificed all he could in getting his body fit for the challenges year in year out. Having managed him last year I could still see that he was working harder than ever to help Galway Football. 

"He always put the team first. We will miss his presence and personality from the Galway set up.

"On behalf of all involved with the Galway Senior Football team I would like to thank Gareth for his commitment and dedication to Galway Football throughout his career and wish him well with Moycullen defending their county title in the coming season. 

"I wish Gareth, all his family and Sarah-Jane all the best in life. Gareth is a tremendous individual and a credit to his family and club."