Walking away - 17 Gaelic footballers who bid farewell in 2016

These big names announced their retirement from the inter-county game this year.

THE END OF a GAA season often brings with it the retirement of a few big hitters.

2016 has been no different, with various All-Ireland winners hanging up their boots, content to watch on from the stands next year.

Marc Ó Sé is the most decorated veteran to retire, although Eamon McGee, Colm McFadden and Daniel Goulding are some more high-profile names to pack it in.

Here’s a run-down of 17 Gaelic footballers who’ve announced their retirement over the last 12 months:

Walking away - 17 Gaelic footballers who bid farewell in 2016

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Enda Coughlan (Clare)
The Banner footballer announced his retirement last month after a long career. He was the longest serving member of Colm Collins’ squad this year, made his inter-county debut back in 2004.Source: Lorraine O'Sullivan/INPHO
Paul Finlay (Monaghan)
Finlay was a star in the Monaghan side for 14 years, winning Ulster titles in 2013 and 2015.Source: James Crombie/INPHO
Colm McFadden (Donegal)
McFadden will go down among Donegal's all-time greats. The county's all-time record scorer and appearance holder won an All-Ireland in 2012.Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO
Graeme Molloy (Wexford)
Molloy retired in January after being advised by surgeons to hang up his boots.Source: Presseye/Lorcan Doherty/INPHO
James Stafford (Wicklow)
Stafford also retired in January. The Rathnew club man was one of Wicklow's biggest performers over the past decade.Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO
Owen Lennon (Monaghan)
Lennon captained the Farney Army to their first Ulster title in 25 years in 2013, before they won it again two years later.Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO
Anthony Masterson (Wexford)
Masterson was another player who retired due to injury. The 33-year-old Castletown clubman was an All-Star nominee in 2008.Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO
Eamon McGee (Donegal)
McGee was the latest All-Ireland winner to retire from county action. "Two things I won't miss is chicken and pasta and warm ups'," he said.Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO
Pa Ranahan (Limerick)
Ranahan retired aged 33 having spent nine years representing his county.Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO
Daryl Flynn (Kildare)
Flynn drew his 13-year Kildare career to a close at the end of October.Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO
Niall Carty (Roscommon)
Carty is the first of two former Roscommon senior football captains to retire this week. Carty aims to continue playing with Padraig Pearses.Source: James Crombie/INPHO
Geoffrey Claffey (Roscommon)
Ex-Rossie skipper Claffey indicated he is also retiring from club football with Castlerea St Kevin’s.Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO
Marc O Se (Kerry)
The 36-year-old brought his 15-year inter-county career to a close, ending 23 years of continuous service by the family to Kerry football.Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO
Daniel Goulding (Cork)
Cork's 2010 All-Ireland winner officially retired in October. Goulding played for the Rebels for 11 seasons.Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Fintan Goold (Cork)
The 30-year-old hung up his boots after being a member of the Cork panel since 2004.Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO
Dick Clerkin (Monaghan)
Clerkin was the last footballer who made his debut in the 1990s to retire. The Monaghan midfielder made 179 appearances and won two Ulster medals.Source: James Crombie/INPHO
Senan Kilbride (Roscommon)
The St Brigid's man retired this week after making his championship debut back in 2008.Source: James Crombie/INPHO