Laois' long-serving goalkeeper Fergal Byron has announced his retirement from inter-county football. The former All-Star, whose finest hour was helping Laois to win their first Leinster senior football title in 57 years in 2003, said he is no longer able to give the commitment required to play at the highest level. The 33-year-old, who lined out at full forward for his club Courtwood in this year's Laois intermediate final against Graiguecullen, will be sorely missed by Laois manager Liam Kearns, who is also on the verge of losing midfielder Brendan Quigley to Australian Rules. As well as winning a Leinster championship and an All-Star award in 2003, Bryon also won a Leinster under 21 medal in 1994 and an Inter-provincial medal with Leinster in 2005. He was regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in the game and was also Laois' regular penalty taker. Since making his championship debut against Kildare in 1997, he played in 43 consecutive championship games without being substituted. "It has been an honour and a privilege to be part of the Laois senior football team for the past 12 years," he said. "But due to the growing professionalism within GAA at this level, I can no longer find the time to give the 100 per cent commitment that is required to succeed at this level. "This is due to family and work commitments which at this stage of my life have to given the priority that they deserve. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my wife and family for putting up with my passion and commitment to the Laois team." Tweet

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