2012 ALL-IRELAND WINNER Leo McLoone’s retirement from inter-county football has been confirmed by Donegal manager Declan Bonner.
Numerous local media outlets are reporting that Bonner confirmed the news today.
31-year-old McLoone is understood to have stepped aside before the 2020 inter-county season campaign got underway, following a successful 2019 with his club, Naomh Conaill.
As well as that coveted Celtic Cross, McLoone has helped Donegal to five Ulster senior titles in a colourful career. He made his debut under Brian McIver in 2008, while his championship bow came against Carlow the following year.
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The forward stepped away from inter-county football in 2017 after finding himself out of favour the season before. McLoone, a key part of Jim McGuinness’ All-Ireland winning squad in 2012, won a Donegal senior championship in October, and lined out in midfield for the Glenties side that went down to Kilcoo in the Ulster final.
“Leo [was] a brilliant servant, there for over a decade,” Bonner told Highland Radio this afternoon. “He picked up a lot of titles along the way, and was a real leader.
“Over the years that I’ve had him, he’s been a big, big leader within the group. [He is] a big, big loss, no more than Frank [McGlynn] is, and we wish him well.”
Celebrating with McGuinness in 2012. Donall Farmer / INPHO
Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO
“In the Autumn time, he had indicated that he was going to step away from the demands of inter-county — there’s huge demands at that level now — and he confirmed then just over the Christmas that he wouldn’t be coming back,” Bonner added.
“He’s been a great player for Donegal, a real strong, powerful player who could play in numerous positions. He’s going to be a loss for the group.”
After opening their Allianz National League campaign with a draw against Mayo, Donegal now face newly-promoted Meath in Navan on Sunday.
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Donegal All-Ireland winner and 'real leader' retires from inter-county football
2012 ALL-IRELAND WINNER Leo McLoone’s retirement from inter-county football has been confirmed by Donegal manager Declan Bonner.
Numerous local media outlets are reporting that Bonner confirmed the news today.
31-year-old McLoone is understood to have stepped aside before the 2020 inter-county season campaign got underway, following a successful 2019 with his club, Naomh Conaill.
As well as that coveted Celtic Cross, McLoone has helped Donegal to five Ulster senior titles in a colourful career. He made his debut under Brian McIver in 2008, while his championship bow came against Carlow the following year.
The forward stepped away from inter-county football in 2017 after finding himself out of favour the season before. McLoone, a key part of Jim McGuinness’ All-Ireland winning squad in 2012, won a Donegal senior championship in October, and lined out in midfield for the Glenties side that went down to Kilcoo in the Ulster final.
‘Jim McGuinness introduced me to the panel and said, ‘He’ll be playing for the next 20 years”
“Leo [was] a brilliant servant, there for over a decade,” Bonner told Highland Radio this afternoon. “He picked up a lot of titles along the way, and was a real leader.
“Over the years that I’ve had him, he’s been a big, big leader within the group. [He is] a big, big loss, no more than Frank [McGlynn] is, and we wish him well.”
“In the Autumn time, he had indicated that he was going to step away from the demands of inter-county — there’s huge demands at that level now — and he confirmed then just over the Christmas that he wouldn’t be coming back,” Bonner added.
“He’s been a great player for Donegal, a real strong, powerful player who could play in numerous positions. He’s going to be a loss for the group.”
After opening their Allianz National League campaign with a draw against Mayo, Donegal now face newly-promoted Meath in Navan on Sunday.
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Blow Donegal Leo McLoone Loss Stalwart