The Retirement of Lee Keegan: an Innovator

DARA SMITH-NAUGHTON SPORTS EDITOR

Mayo GAA produces some of the finest footballers to cross the 45-metre line, from Andy Moran to Aidan O’Shea and Colm Boyle to Liam McHale; the Mayo talent machine rarely disappoints. Regardless of the long list of greats too rare from the maritime county, one sits high above the rest, Mr. Lee Keegan. The half-back to shame all other half-backs announced his inter-county retirement earlier this month, bringing to an end perhaps one of the most interesting careers in GAA history.

The Westport man called it a day after an over 11 year stint in the green and red, where he won seven Connacht Championships and five All-star selections. He also added a Mayo Senior Football Championship to his resume with his hometown club Westport GAA last October – the first in the club’s history.

Keegan’s playing days will be characterised by his legendary battles with Diarmuid Connolly, and the entirety of Dublin’s panel to be quite frank; along with his revolutionary position as half-back; and of course THAT goal against Dublin in the 2016 All-Ireland Final. Changing the mindset of young number 4, 5, 6, and 7’s all over the country, Keegan introduced himself as an extra midfielder through his attacking prowess, consistent defence and unmatched cardio.

Perhaps most people’s first reaction to Keegan’s announcement was that he’ll now never attain that elusive All-Ireland Championship medal. This is something that seemingly avoided him for so long –like Lionel Messi and the World Cup. However, the former footballer of the year never got his fairy-tale ending. Having reached the All-Ireland final 7 times, and losing every single one, Keegan perhaps has experienced the most unlucky inter-county career of all time.

This fact begs the question, which has been much debated over the last few weeks across GAA social media, is Lee Keegan the greatest player to never win an All-Ireland Senior championship? He is often ac- companied by his fellow county-men due to Mayo’s cruel finals luck over the years with Andy Moran and Ciaran McDonald occupying that position as well. Monaghan’s Conor McManus and Roscommon’s Dermot Earley have also been mentioned. It is a no-brainer for true GAA fans, Keegan has just about achieved everything there is to achieve in the game, except of course for… well it goes without saying.

Regardless of the verdict of that pointless debate, Lee Keegan will remain an innovative legend of Westport, Mayo and GAA nationwide for many years to come, and for that he is a champion by all means.