Mike Finnerty
THE news that one of Mayo’s all-time great Gaelic footballers had retired from inter-county football arrived officially yesterday morning (Monday) just after 10.30am.
In a statement from Mayo GAA, Lee Keegan confirmed that ‘all good things must come to an end’ and that he was calling time on his county career after 12 seasons, 140 appearances and as many memories, magic moments and rollercoaster rides as he could manage.
“I have enjoyed every minute of my time with Mayo,” the 33 year-old from Westport said in his statement. “We had great days and some memorable victories.
“For me, it was always about wearing that Mayo jersey with pride every single day, and I was honoured to play alongside players who were of the same mind, and under managers who drove high standards on and off the pitch.
“But all good things must come to an end. The reality is that I have had to rely on a lot of people – most notably my wife Aoife – to give me the time and space to pursue my dream. “Now that we have two young children, Lile and Rhea, I am keenly aware that I am no longer able to commit to inter-county football in the way I did over the past eleven years. I will continue to make myself available to Westport and look forward to building on last year’s historic success in the years ahead.
“I wish Mayo every success in 2023 and beyond. “I will be cheering them on from the terraces. That’ll be an unusual experience for me, I’m sure, but such is the way of life.”
Mayo manager Kevin McStay, who won’t get the chance now to work with the five-time All Star winner and 2016 Footballer of the Year, described Lee as ‘indestructible and defiant’.
“Lee has represented Mayo with great distinction… on the biggest days, he walked tall and proud. Lee embodied the resilience of Mayo. The example he set will continue to inspire Mayo for many years to come,” he said.
Only four players lined out for Mayo more times than Keegan; Andy Moran, Keith Higgins, Aidan O’Shea and Kevin McLoughlin.
Mayo to face Galway
MEANWHILE, Mayo will be in action against Galway in the semi-final of the FBD Connacht League on Saturday evening next at the University of Galway/Connacht GAA Air Dome in Bekan at 5.30pm.
Approximately 1,000 to 1,200 tickets for the game are expected to go on sale tomorrow (Wednesday) at 3pm via Connacht GAA’s website and social media channels.
The match is also being live-streamed by Connacht GAA.
