One of the greats has called time on his intercounty career

Karl Lacey has announced his retirement from intercounty football.

14 seasons, one All-Ireland title, three Ulster titles, four All-Stars and one footballer of the year award later, Karl Lacey has kicked his last ball for the Donegal senior team. Lacey was a key figure in Jim McGuinness's All-Ireland winning side in 2012, the same year he claimed the Footballer of the Year accolade. Coming on as a half-time sub in Donegal's defeat to Galway will be the last time he togged out for the county. Check out his statement in full below.

"Having allowed some dust to settle on our season, I now feel ready to announce my retirement from the Donegal senior football team. 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. 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.

With them, I was able to win League, Ulster, All-Ireland and individual honours, and for that I very thankful. In addition to my time with Donegal, I was honoured to be selected for my country and play in the 2006 and 2011 International Rules series. Now, I embark on a different phase of my life – that of a former county footballer. I will continue to play with Four Masters, with whom I first kicked a ball and with whom I will kick my last. I am enjoying increased responsibility in my job at LYIT and I have enjoyed dipping my toe into coaching in recent times, most recently with the Donegal development squads. I am soon to be married to my fiancee Ciara. Our son Noah has been alight in both our lives. They have made many sacrifices so that I could continue to pursue my inter county career and I am eternally grateful to them for that."