Westmeath star Glennon retires from inter-county football
Long-serving Westmeath senior footballer Denis Glennon has hung up his inter-county football boots - breaking the final link between the Leinster title-winning side of 2004 and the present.
The Tyrrellspass forward, who was on the losing side in last Sunday’s Westmeath SFC final, brings to an end a glittering career with the Lake County. He will, however, continue to line out for the Tidy Town at club level.
Glennon announced his decision on Facebook yesterday (Tuesday).
“It’s with a heavy heart I am announcing my retirement from inter county football with Westmeath,” said Glennon, who won a Division 2 title with Westmeath in 2008, to go along with his Leinster medal from 2004.
“Unfortunately there comes a time when the body tells you enough is enough.
“It was a dream come true to represent my county since under 14. I am so grateful for the friends I have made and the structure it gave my life, especially since ’04.
“I want to wish the current manager and the Westmeath team all the best for the future. Thanks for the memories. ”
The serving member of An Garda Síochána thanked his wife Regina and his family for their support over the years, and said that he looks forward to bringing his young son to support Westmeath in the future.
As well as his successes with Westmeath, Glennon has been at the forefront of Tyrrellspass’s achievements over the last decade. He won SFC medals with the club in 2006 and 2007, and was part of the Sky Blues outfit that reached the Leinster club final in 2007.
Westmeath GAA stars past and present have taken to social media to congratulate the departing Glennon, including Dessie Dolan, who started alongside him in the 2004 Leinster final:
A massive presence for Westmeath, & one of my favourite all time players @denisglennon11 retired today, pace, power &skill - hard to replace!!
— Dessie Dolan (@dessiedolan) October 31, 2017
Glennon scored two points on that fateful day, as the Lake County edged past Laois to land the Delaney Cup for an historic first time. He scored five points from play in the drawn final that year.
Alan Mangan, also numbered among that hugely talented forward line in 2004, described Glennon as “one of the best forwards that ever put on the Westmeath jersey”.
“You were the full package – pace, power, and a great finisher. But above all you are an absolute gent,” said Mangan, who is also Glennon's current manager at club level.