Galway's 2017 All-Ireland SHC winning goalkeeper Colm Callanan has announced his inter-county retirement.

The 37-year-old Kinvara clubman represented the Tribesmen at senior level for 13 years, during which he also won two Leinster SHC medals, two Allianz League medals as well as an All Star award in 2015. In a statement released through Galway GAA, the 2000 All-Ireland MHC winner also revealed that he will be taking up a coaching role in new Galway manager Shane O'Neill's backroom team.

"After 13 years wearing the maroon and white jersey, and after careful consideration, I have made the decision to step away from the Galway senior hurling panel," he wrote. 

"It's a massive privilege to play for your county and I feel honoured and proud that I got to play for Galway for as long as I did. I was lucky enough to win everything on offer at least once.

"I was blessed to have shared a dressing room with such brilliant people throughout my career, which enabled me to forge friendships that will last a lifetime. It was an honour to go into battle with all of those Galway players, while it was also a privilege to get the opportunity to play against the very best players from other counties.

"I was also lucky to have enjoyed the support of excellent managers, coaches and backroom team members over the years. Special mention must go to the managers I played under – Ger Loughnane, John McIntyre, Anthony Cunningham and Micheal Donoghue.

"I’d particularly like to extend huge thanks to Christy O’Connor for being my goalkeeping coach all the way back to before I started with Galway in 2007. Christy opened my mind as to what was required at the top level, and he really lifted my standards...

"I'm content that I gave everything I had to the Galway jersey for 13 years. I’ve loved every minute of my journey and to have played in front of its dedicated and passionate supporters has allowed me to make memories that I will cherish forever.

"I’d also like to thank Shane O’Neill for his understanding and support of my decision. I’m also delighted that the transition will be made easier after accepting a coaching role in Shane’s new backroom team.

"Let the next chapter begin! Up Galway!"

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