Missing out on an All-Ireland SHC medal is a big regret for retiring Galway ace Damien Hayes but he wouldn't change his life for the world now.

The Portumna clubman accumulated three All-Stars, one Leinster SHC and two National League medals during his record breaking 52 championship appearances for the Tribesmen but missed out the ultimate prize on three occasions - 2001 (v Tipperary), 2005 (v Cork) and 2012 (v Kilkenny).

Speaking to The Irish Independent, Hayes admitted: "It's a big disappointment not to have won an All-Ireland.

"If I'm honest, the first final against Kilkenny in 2012 still haunts me. I've watched that match over and we lost it in the few minutes immediately before and after half-time.

"So there's huge regret there. But, look, you get used to that regret, you take it on the chin. I felt we could have won in '05 too because I'd say, if you asked any of the Cork team that beat us, they did so without playing at 100pc.

"I remember their manager, John Allen, saying in an interview after that the Cork players just could never see themselves losing to Galway.

"It was disappointing to hear that because of what it seemed to say about us.

"But I wouldn't change my life now for the world. There is no All-Ireland medal would give me what my son has given me."

Hayes' wife, multiple All Star Tipperary camogie player Claire Grogan, gave birth to their baby son Eanna last January.

Looking into the future, he is backing his former team-mates to deliver the county's first Liam McCarthy Cup success since 1988.

"One thing I want to say is that I'll always back the players. And I actually believe that Galway will win the All-Ireland in 2015. If they don't, they should be winning it. I've no qualms saying that.

"I mean it."

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