New Louth manager Colin Kelly has described Paddy Keenan as the best player ever to play for the county.

Keenan recently announced his decision to retire from inter-county football and Kelly, who was appointed to a three-year term with the Wee County on Thursday night, admits that he will be a huge blow to his plans for 2015.

"I can't recall when Louth players were playing in the 1950s and 60s and playing in Leinster finals, but from what I've seen and people I've played with Paddy is the most outstanding player I've ever seen in a Louth jersey," Kelly told the Irish Daily Star.

"To lose someone of that calibre is very difficult. Life goes on. He is carrying a lot of injuries. He's soldiered in O'Bryne Cups. Any time a demand was put on to play for Louth he came up trumps.

"I'll have to respect his wishes for the moment and he's made a decision. To have someone of his quality would be exceptional. We have to concentrate on the rest of the squad at the minute and see if we can be as positive as we can with the lads you have."

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