Roscommon warrior Daly retires from county duty

Roscommon star Niall Daly has confirmed his retirement from inter-county football.

In a statement paying tribute to his contribution, Roscommon GAA said Daly had "an exceptional career" in the primrose and blue jersey, and established himself "as one of the county’s most consistent and influential performers".

Daly made his senior championship debut in 2011 against Tyrone in an All-Ireland qualifier at Croke Park, with Roscommon GAA saying this marked "the beginning of a distinguished inter-county journey that has spanned over a decade".

Over the course of his career, the Pádraig Pearses player made 149 appearances for Roscommon, scoring two goals and 52 points.

"A natural leader both on and off the pitch, Niall’s professionalism, commitment and resilience earned him immense respect within the dressing room and among supporters across the county," said the Roscommon GAA statement.

"His contribution to Roscommon football has been immense, and he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and integrity."

Roscommon GAA has thanked Niall "for his outstanding service" and wished him and his family "every success in the years to come".

Daly won two Connacht SFC medals with Roscommon (2017 and 2019), the Rossies defeating Galway in both of those finals.

Part of a Roscommon team which also featured his brothers Conor and Ronan, Niall was chosen for the official man of the match award after the 2019 decider. Niall, who generally operated as a wing-back, was also nominated for an All Star at the end of that season.

Roscommon GAA chairperson Brian Carroll said: “On behalf of everyone in Roscommon GAA, I want to extend our deepest thanks to Niall for the remarkable dedication, loyalty, and passion he has shown throughout his time representing the county.

"He has played a key role in countless special moments on the field, and his influence extended far beyond match days. His presence will be genuinely missed by his teammates and supporters right across Roscommon. We wish Niall, Martha, Rory & Billy the very best of luck in the future.”

On announcing his retirement, Niall said: “A special word of thanks to my club, Pádraig Pearses, for everything they have done for me throughout the years. Thank you to the supporters across the county for the incredible encouragement and backing you have given me during my time in a Roscommon jersey.

"I am also deeply grateful to my family for their constant support, my mam and dad, and especially my wife Martha, who has been by my side every step of the way. Of course, a special mention goes to my two biggest fans, Rory and Billy.

"I have been fortunate to play alongside some brilliant players over the years, and I now look forward to supporting the boys from the stands," he added.

Daly concluded by wishing new Roscommon manager Mark Dowd and all the players "the very best for the year ahead.”

Niall has won three Roscommon SFC medals with Pádraig Pearses, in 2019 (the club's first time to lift the Fahey Cup) 2021 and 2014. He also played a key role in the Woodmount based club's Connacht championship success in 2021.

Injury problems have impacted on Niall's football appearances in recent years, but he showed huge determination to battle back and help his club to senior championship glory last year.

The Daly family has been integral to the success of Pearses in recent years, with Niall's brothers Conor, Ronan and Lorcán all involved in some memorable wins and occasions.

A teacher in Moate Community School, Niall has also made a huge contribution in terms of coaching both boys' and girls' teams in the Westmeath school, helping MCS to many notable victories.