Breaking Keegan calls time on Mayo career

Mayo's Lee Keegan has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

The news comes as a big blow to the county after manager Kevin McStay said last week he had high hopes Keegan would stay on.

He was named as Footballer of the Year in 2016 and was nominated for the award in 2013 and 2021.

McStay paid tribute to the defender on his departure.

"Lee has represented Mayo with great distinction," he said.

"He was indestructible and defiant: on the biggest days, he walked tall and proud. Lee embodied the resilience of Mayo. The example he set will continue to inspire Mayo for many years to come."

While the Sam Maguire alluded Keegan, losing six finals in all, his career was still laden with team and individual honours.

He won five All-Stars, seven Connacht titles while he also has an Allianz Football League medal from 2019.

The Westport player will continue to represent his club, who own their first senior title in 2022, but said that a young family meant that he no longer had the time necessary to commit fully to the county cause.

"I have enjoyed every minute of my time with Mayo. We had great days and some memorable victories. For me, it was always about wearing that Mayo jersey with pride every single day, and I was honoured to play alongside players who were of the same mind, and under managers who drove high standards on and off the pitch.

"But all good things must come to an end. The reality is that I have had to rely on a lot of people – most notably my wife Aoife – to give me the time and space to pursue my dream. Now that we have two young children, Lile and Rhea, I am keenly aware that I am no longer able to commit to inter-county football in the way I did over the past eleven years.

"I will continue to make myself