Galway goalkeeper James Skehill has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.
The Cappataggle man spent 14 seasons on the senior panel and won an All-Ireland medal in 2017 along with three Leinster titles and a pair of National Leagues, as well as All-Irelands at minor and under-21 level.
Confirming his decision via his Twitter account, Skehill said: “After 14 years playing with Galway I'd like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from inter-county hurling.
“A huge thank you to my wife Grace, my family, friends and teammates who supported me over the years. It was a huge honour to play for my county. Thank you.”
Skehill was in competition for the No 1 jersey with Colm Callanan for much of his senior career and was first choice at various stages, including when Galway claimed a historic first Leinster title in 2012 before going on to lose the All-Ireland final to Kilkenny after a replay.
In 2017, when Galway finally bridged the gap to their previous All-Ireland in 1988, Callanan was firmly established as first choice goalkeeper with Skehill acting as his understudy.
Skehill had the misfortune of being replaced through injury in two All-Ireland finals - the 2012 replay defeat to Kilkenny after he had suffered a recurrence of a shoulder injury on the week of the game and again in the 2018 decider against Limerick, when Galway relinquished their title.
Callanan retired last year but new Galway manager Shane O’Neill favoured youngster Eanna Murphy as his first choice goalkeeper this season as the team reached the All-Ireland semi-final, where they lost to eventual champions Limerick.
“I would like to thank James for the magnificent effort this year,” said O’Neill. “He has been an outstanding goalkeeper with a great career.
“He showed true selflessness in imparting his knowledge to the younger goalkeepers of the group whilst providing intense competition throughout.”
