Former All-Star goalkeeper Brendan McVeigh has quit the inter-county scene.

The long-serving Down netminder has cited family commitments and the ever-increasing demands of modern football as the reasons behind his decision.

"At one time I thought it would have been a harder decision, but I've a young family now and it's a young man's game," the An Riocht clubman - who received All-Star recognition in 2010 - explained to the Irish News.

"It's tough going, I'm 36 at my next birthday and it doesn't get any easier.

"The demands are severe and if you don't put the effort in you'll get left behind."

He added: "I know I've given my all and Down need something new in my department and maybe a few other departments as well.

"It's time to step aside and let somebody else get a bite of the cherry.

"I always wanted to play for Down since I was a young fella. The fire was lit when I was watching the teams in the '90s and I've done that.

"I'll always be a Down man, I'll go to the games and support the team because first and foremost I'm a Down fan and I always will be. That'll never change."

Big shout out to @brendanmcveigh1 on his retirement from @OfficialDownGAA .Absolute pleasure to play with him for so long.The best about.BAN

- Benny Coulter (@Coulter12Benny) August 20, 2014

Tweet

Most Read Stories