DONEGAL’S KARL LACEY HAS announced he’s retiring from the inter-county game.
The versatile defender was a key member of Donegal’s All-Ireland winning team in 2012 and won four All-Stars as well as Footballer of the Year during an illustrious career.
Lacey made his debut in 2004 as a substitute against Antrim and represented Donegal with distinction over the course of a 14-year career.
He struggled with injury in his final few seasons but finishes his career with a record-equaling 65 championship appearances for Donegal, joint-top with Christy Toye.
Lacey also served as a strength and conditioning coach with the county under-age development squads in recent times.
In a statement released on the Donegal GAA website, Lacey wrote: “Having allowed some dust to settle on our season, I now feel ready to announce my retirement from the Donegal senior football team.
“I have experienced almost everything with the Donegal footballers over these past 14 seasons and more, from desperate defeats to the crowning glory winning the Sam Maguire in 2012 and everything in between. They are games and days and friendships that will live with me forever.
“I am thankful for the opportunities given to me over the course of my career, and grateful to the players who played alongside me and the coaches who guided me throughout it.
“With them, I was able to win League, Ulster, All-Ireland and individual honours, and for that I very thankful. In addition to my time with Donegal, I was honoured to be selected for my country and play in the 2006 and 2011 International Rules series.
“Now, I embark on a different phase of my life – that of a former county footballer.
“I will continue to play with Four Masters, with whom I first kicked a ball and with whom I will kick my last.
“I am enjoying increased responsibility in my job at LYIT and I have enjoyed dipping my toe into coaching in recent times, most recently with the Donegal development squads.
“I am soon to be married to my fiancee Ciara. Our son Noah has been a light in both our lives. They have made many sacrifices so that I could continue to pursue my inter county career and I am eternally grateful to them for that.”
That’s great work. Best of luck to all these lads. With the other new signings and maybe 1 or 2 more they could build a really good side.
@Chris Mc: tbh if they only add 1-2 new signings on top of these lads then I think they’ve got a significantly weaker squad than they had last season. They need a few lads who have experience of top level rugby and who’re ready to go straight into the first team.
@Jim Demps: correct Jim unfortunately Connacht are being sacrificed for IRFU budget cuts
@Jim Demps: disappointing Jim to see Connacht cast once more as the IRFU’s development province in order that the increasingly desperate attempt to drag Munster to a trophy (any trophy) or even a final continues. There are still gaps at No8 and the full back/wing for Connacht to fill before we return to action in August, but it does seem like there will be just two (maximum) experienced arrivals.
@Jim Demps: I’m with you on that one, at least 4 good players needed to be similar to last seasons squad
@David Finn: I still reckon there’ll be a bit more than that, I’d be hopeful anyway. Maybe two overseas signings and another 2-3 internal?
@Jim Demps: you’d hope so.
@David Finn: they’ll be incredibly light if that’s not the case
@Jim Demps: I think the 4 signing added to the players promoted with a injury free run and Carty and Marmion hitting form and they have the basis of a really decent side.
It’s great these lads are getting a chance, but it doesn’t gloss over that that Connacht are getting weaker each year, badly need competition for places.
Delighted for the young lads but must say underwhelmed with recruitment and consequently our ambition for next couple years. Squad stripped off senior players , replaced with young lads who will take time to be able to survive at senior rugby never mind thriving which is what is needed. Hopefully 4 places still available to be filled with some decent senior strong players aka bring what Muldowney, McCartney, Fainga, Clarke, etc brought you Connacht.
Peter Sullivan has all the ingredients to make it let just hope they’re all given a fair crack of the whip to develop.
Good to see youth promoted through the ranks and we wish them well in their careers.
There is no doubt that all squads will have tighten their belts and we will probably not see many if indeed any so called big money signings for a few years to come, other than those already agreed.
Academy players fit the bill, financially and also promote support from the fans, Ho have watched their development.
Patience will be required in that it is more than likely a two or three year project before it bears fruit.
Fantastic trust shown by Andy Friend and his coaching team and really building for the future. It sends a very strong message to young players in the province. Delighted for our 3 Buccaneers players, superb young men, very talented and deserve their shot
@Pol O’Broin: fantastic trust or lack of budget