Karl Lacey Retires.

[Captain Obvious]

In a statement on the Official Donegal website, the four-time All-Star said:

"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 a light 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."

[Syferus]

Great player and along with McHugh and Murphy he's part of the triad of players that carried Donegal to that 2012 All-Ireland. With how he was used this season this seemed inevitable.

[rrhf]

One of the top Gaelic footballers of his era. Superb career!

[J70]

Among the top three or four Donegal players of all time. There wasn't a better man-marking corner back around for the first five or six years of his career, and he transitioned into a top class playmaker from centre back under McGuinness. Injuries have taken their toll over the past few years, but he'll be missed. True legend.

[Fear ón Srath Bán]

Totally top-drawer defender, and no little source of torment to opposition teams when injury didn't intrude. A retirement very well earned, maith thú, Karl Lacey.

[mrhardyannual]

A classy defender.

[omaghjoe]

Great footballer tho his year round tan was extremely suspicious. Hard to believe he's been at it for 14years

[JoG2]

Great footballer tho his year round tan was extremely suspicious. Hard to believe he's been at it for 14years

that's wind burn from out the Mountcharles Rd ! Superb footballer who gave some service to Donegal

[longballin]

The Gerry McInerney of Gaelic football... class act

[WT4E]

Baller

Would make the best all ireland team of the last 10 years.

[lenny]

Baller

Would make the best all ireland team of the last 10 years.

There's a few really good players who've retired this year but he's definitely the best of them. Class act and no aul playacting.

[J70]

I see Paddy Bradley tweeting that Lacey was the best defender he'd ever faced.

Praise indeed.

[Syferus]

Baller

Would make the best all ireland team of the last 10 years.

There's a few really good players who've retired this year but he's definitely the best of them. Class act and no aul playacting.

Gooch retired this year.. probably the best pure footballer I have ever seen.

[TabClear]

Among the top three or four Donegal players of all time. There wasn't a better man-marking corner back around for the first five or six years of his career, and he transitioned into a top class playmaker from centre back under McGuinness. Injuries have taken their toll over the past few years, but he'll be missed. True legend.

Absolutely. He was a great corner back just as that skill was dying out and as you say moved seamlessly to 6 where he was exceptional. His reading of the game was as good as anyone.

[seafoid]

It was a worthy all ireland medal and will keep him in dinners in new York and Chicago for years.