Shane Lennon calls time on Louth career

Louth footballer Shane Lennon has announced his retirement from inter-county football through a statement on Wednesday.

The Kilkerley Emmets clubman, who turns 30 next year, has played for Louth for the past 10 seasons but he says an ongoing injury problem with his hips has forced him to call time on his time playing with the county.

"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," he said in a statement released through the GPA.

"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 three 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 been 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."

Lennon paid tribute to his previous managers at Louth, and said that new manager Colin Kelly understands his position in retiring.

"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."

Lennon's retirement follows that of Paddy Keenan, the 2010 All Star who announced his Louth retirement back in September.