Niamh Lonergan announces inter-county retirement

LADIES GAELIC FOOTBALL

 

After thirteen years of service, Tipperary Ladies Footballer Niamh Lonergan has announced her retirement from the inter-county game.

The Moyle Rovers player made her adult debut for Tipperary in 2006. As well as this years All Ireland Intermediate success, Niamh was also part of the teams that won the 2018 NFL Division 2, 2017 All-Ireland Intermediate championship, 2017 NFL Division 3, 2016 Munster Intermediate championship, 2007 Minor 'B' Munster Championship and the 2006 Munster Junior championship.

Speaking this week Niamh said she had made the decision to retire at the end of this season earlier in the year. She said she enjoyed all thirteen years but that the last three years in particular were the most enjoyable.

However she said that winning this years All Ireland Intermediate Final was extra special particularly after she had battled back from a cruciate ligament injury in 2017.

Paying tribute to her fellow panellists, Niamh described them as an “amazing bunch of ladies”.

She also thanked the County Board and managment led by Shane Ronayne whom she said had been so professional particularly in recent years. She also singled out sponsor Camida and particularly CEO David Anchell “for all the support he has given us, he has really looked after us and he went above and beyond with the gifts he presented us with after winning the All Ireland.”

Niamh said she will find it difficult in January when the National League begins.

“It will hit me then, I know that but I want to see team progress at senior and to really compete for the All Ireland. I have told them all, I will be there to see them and to support them,” she said.