Louth's only All Star, Paddy Keenan, has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

The St. Pat's, Lordship clubman, who will celebrate his 30th birthday in a few weeks' time, has cited work commitments and long-standing injury problems as his reason for bowing out. He will go down as one of the Wee County's greatest ever footballers and one of the best midfielders of his generation.

He became Louth's first ever All Star winner in 2010 after starring in the county's run to the Leinster SFC final that year. Sadly for Keenan, Louth were denied a first provincial title since 1957 by an illegal goal scored by Meath's Joe Sheridan in injury-time.

In his 12 years as a Louth senior, Keenan garnered Allianz League Division 2 and 3 medals in 2006 and 2011 respectively, and a Tommy Murphy Cup medal in '06.

At club level, he has won five Louth SFC medals - 2003, 2004, 2007, 2011 and 2012.

In a statement issued through the GPA, he said: "I wish to announce my retirement from county football today. It is a decision that I have considered for some time and is not one which I've made lightly.

"Due to work commitments and the need to clear up some long-standing injuries, I feel I would be unable to devote the necessary time to the team and I believe now is the right time to call it a day.

"It was a huge honour for me to represent Louth for the past 12 years and I had the privilege of playing with and against so many great players. While we didn't have the success we worked so hard for, I have only positive memories of my county career and the people who I soldiered alongside.

"Without the support of support of my girlfriend Karen and my family which has been, at all times, unconditional, I genuinely could not have played at this level and I am so grateful to them.

"I would like to thank my club St. Patrick's GFC who I was so proud to represent and I hope this decision will allow me to extend my club career for a few extra years. Thanks to the Louth supporters who have always shown great loyalty to me as a player and to our county squad despite experiencing many difficult periods on the field of play.

"I would like to pay tribute to all five Louth managers I played under for placing their faith in me as a footballer. Thanks also to the various management teams, backroom staff and of course the County Board for their support and kindness over the years.

"Finally, I wish the new Louth manager and the team all the best in the future and I look forward to supporting them from the sidelines next year."

Tweet

Most Read Stories