Karl Lacey has become the latest Donegal player to announce his retirement.
Lacey, Donegal’s most decorated player, was Footballer of the Year in 2012 when Donega won their second All-Ireland and the four-time All-Star steps away after 148 appearances.
“Having allowed some dust to settle on our season, I now feel ready to announce my retirement from the Donegal senior football team,” Lacey said in a statement.
“I have experienced almost everything with the Donegal footballers over these past 14 seasons and more, from desperate defeats to the crowning glory winning the Sam Maguire in 2012 and everything in between.
“They are games and days and friendships that will live with me forever.”
Lacey’s first taste of Championship football for Donegal was against Antrim in 2004 and he played 65 times in the Championship – a county record he shares with Christy Toye.
Lacey won an All-Ireland and three Ulster SFC titles in a stellar career during which he made his name as one of Tir Chonaill’s all-time greats.
Lacey said: “I am thankful for the opportunities given to me over the course of my career, and grateful to the players who played alongside me and the coaches who guided me throughout it.”
Lacey works at Letterkenny Institute of Technology and this year worked as a coach with the Donegal Development teams.
A statement from the Donegal County Board said: “He was, of course, an integral part of the Donegal squad that brought such success to the county over recent years on the provincial and national stages.
“The exploits of that team, and the joy it brought to Donegal people at home and abroad will live long in the memory.”
Donegal have begun the process of replacing Rory Gallagher as manager with Declan Bonner, Seamus McEnaney, Cathal Corey, Gary McDaid and Sean Paul Barrett the men in the race.
