Niall Kilroy, a long-serving football star from Roscommon, has announced his retirement from inter-county football.
The versatile 32-year-old Fuerty clubman made his senior debut for the Rossies against Longford in 2012 and went on to make 91 appearances, scoring 3-45 in the process.
Kilroy was also a talented hurler and won two Connacht SFC medals in 2017 and 2019, and three Allianz League Division 2 medals in 2018, 2020, and 2022.
In his retirement statement, Kilroy thanked everyone who helped him achieve his dream of playing for his native county.
"Playing for Roscommon has been an immense honour for me. My childhood dream was to play for my county in Croke Park, and I was lucky enough to do this in both football and hurling," Kilroy said in the a statement.
"A lot of people helped me throughout my playing career. Firstly, I will be forever grateful to my wife, Aisling, my parents Jack and Marian, and my extended family for all their unending support. Thanks to my clubs, Tremane, St. Ciaran’s, and Fuerty, who nurtured my skills and talents down the years.
"A special thanks to all my teammates for the lifelong friendships forged both on and off the field. Their loyalty, commitment, and dedication helped me to give everything I had, anytime I took to the field.
Niall Kilroy has announced his retirement from inter-county football.
Read more 👉 https://t.co/9rlLILYcWF#RosGAA pic.twitter.com/KLm78m70lz— Roscommon GAA (@RoscommonGAA) October 19, 2023
"Finally, thanks to the management and medical teams, the County Board, sponsors, Club Rossie, my employers, and of course, all the loyal supporters for their encouragement throughout. I wish Davy and all the lads the very best for the coming season, and I look forward to supporting the team long into the future.”
Roscommon GAA Chairperson, Brian Carroll, added his own kind words on Kilroy's retirement. He described him as a 'true gentleman' and praised his service with the county.
“On behalf of everyone in Roscommon GAA, I wish to thank Niall for his outstanding commitment and dedication to Roscommon for so many years. Niall always wore the Roscommon jersey with great pride and honesty in each of his 91 appearances for our county team," added Carroll.
"Niall was a great person to have around our dressing room and was always a great leader. Niall is a true gentleman and was a pleasure to work with; he always showed massive respect for his teammates, management, County Board, and our supporters. I wish Niall and his wife Aisling and his family the very best in the future, and I’d like to thank him for all the memories.”
Niall Kilroy honours
2 Connacht Senior Football Championships (2017,2019)
3 National Football League Division 2 titles (2018,2020,2022)
2 FBD Connacht League titles (2018,2019)
