Galvin quits inter-county football
Kerry Footballer Paul Galvin has shocked fans by announcing his retirement from inter-county football.
Kingdom boss Eamonn Fitzmaurice told reporters after their defeat to Dublin that Galvin had quit.
Galvin was to be on the bench for Kerry in tonight's Allianz League Division 1 game at Croke Park, but he didn't take his place.
Galvin tweeted the announcement just after the game, which ended in a defeat for Kerry.
— paul galvin (@pgal10) February 1, 2014
Galvin said in a statement: "I am proud to say I won All-Irelands for Kerry and I am satisfied that I gave the cause everything I had in me."
The 34-year-old Galvin won four All-Ireland SFC titles during his career, as well as seven Munster senior medals, three league crowns and three All-Star awards. He was the Footballer of the Year in 2009.
No stranger to indiscipline and controversy over the years, the fashion-loving Lixnaw man endured two high profile suspensions during his playing career.
He was banned for six months in 2008 for slapping the notebook out of referee Paddy Russell's hands, and two years later received an eight-week suspension for an incident involving Cork's Eoin Cadogan.
Galvin regularly clashed with Cork defender Noel O'Leary during Kerry's big matches against the Rebels. Recalling their frequent battles, he wishes O'Leary 'a happy retirement' on Twitter last November.
The bearded half-forward made his final start for Kerry in their All-Ireland semi-final loss to Dublin last September. Two weeks ago, he came on as a substitute in the McGrath Cup final against Cork.
Galvin posted a statement about his retirement on his website, which read:
"I would like to sincerely thank the Kerry County Board and Kerry Group for their support over the years, the four managers I played under for placing their faith in me, my family, and of course, the proud Kerry supporters who demanded our best at all times. There were days when you played with us too.
"More importantly I want to thank all my team-mates for your heart and friendship over the years. Standing my ground with you in the Kerry jersey was my privilege.
"I learned more from you than anyone and I am grateful for the opportunity I got to play with some of the best players to ever play the game.
"Having discussed it with the management during the week, we felt it best to announce it after tonight's game.
"Finally I want to thank Eamonn and wish him, the management team and my brothers on the Kerry team the very best luck for 2014.
"I am proud to say I won All-Irelands for Kerry and I am satisfied that I gave the cause everything I had in me.
"Ciarraí Abú go deo."
