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MAYO’s Donie Vaughan has announced his retirement from intercountry soccer at age 32.
Vaughan started five senior league finals for Ireland, but after a season interrupted by injuries caused him to miss the decisive sixth match last month against Dublin, he decided after 12 years in county football to walk away.
Vaughan, whose wife Máiread gave birth to their first child just six weeks ago, was instrumental in Mayo establishing itself as such a consistent championship force over the past decade. He earned an All-Star Game nomination in 2011 after kicking within three points of Declan O’Sullivan from center back in the All-Ireland semifinal before Lee Keegan and Colm Boyle teamed up the following year to form probably the best line of half back. in the game.
In 2013 he only narrowly missed one All-Star after an outstanding campaign in which he managed to score goals against Galway and against Donegal in a devastating all-Ireland quarter-final display. In 2014, it was Vaughan who stepped over the tie spot to bring Ireland’s epic replay of the semi-final against Kerry in Limerick into extra time.
In 2016 he was May’s man of the match in the all-Ireland tie final, kicking a point in injury time before Cillian O’Connor’s tying score, but a blow to the head forced him out at halftime in the replay, while infamously not ending the 2017 final either after being shown a red card for raising his hand to John Small.
Vaughan, known to his teammates as ‘Shoes’ due to the successful in-store and online footwear retail business he runs, would rally to win a national league medal in 2019 alongside the six Connacht championships he had accumulated. previously. but a recurring injury affected him badly in 2020.
After starting every game Mayo had played at Croke Park since 2009, except for the 2017 All Ireland quarterfinal replay against Roscommon in which he entered halftime, he did not reach Matchday 26 of any. of the two May parties at the headquarters. the last December.
In your retirement statement issued to , writes: “With great regret I have come to the decision that the time has come to hang up my boots.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the army of Mayo fans for all their support throughout the years, especially those who took the time to send me cards, letters and messages.
“I would like to thank all of my current and former administrative teams, physicians, county board officials, and support teams who have helped me over the years. I would also like to thank all the people who helped me develop as a footballer from an early age.
“To my parents John and Tricia, my sisters Ailish, Laura and Mary, all close and extended family and friends who have followed me to every corner of the country, I will never forget their love and support.
“My wife Mairéad has been a pillar of support for me and I would like to take this opportunity to thank her. I look forward to going to games in the future with her and our newborn son Eddie and cheering on Mayo.
“For my teammates that I have worked with for the past twelve years: it has been an honor and a privilege to wear green and red alongside you with pride. You are men of exceptional character and relentless determination.
“Finally, I would like to acknowledge how difficult this year has been for everyone. Stay safe and strong.
“May Abu – Donie”.
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