Harps stalwart Declan Boyle retires
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Finn Harps defender Declan Boyle has announced his retirement from senior football.
The 34-year-old said he was calling time on his career due to the increasing workload involved in his role as Regional Development Officer with the FAI in Leitrim.
Boyle made a total of 362 appearances in four separate stints at the club, scoring 21 goals. He captained the club to the first division title in 2004, having made his debut for the club 12 years earlier.
Boyle also had a successful stint at Sligo Rovers where he won the First Division, FAI Cup and League Cup. He also had a stint at Scottish giants Celtic, Derry City, where he won a Premier Division title and an FAI Cup runner-up medal, Omagh Town and Letterkenny Rovers.
Announcing his retirement, Boyle said: "Last year was very difficult trying to commute to work and train with the first team so I made the decision that it was just too much to juggle. It wasn't really a difficult decision to arrive at as I've had a good run at it and now there's plenty of young lads there who can come in for me.
"I might play a bit of soccer here and there in the future, but nothing's decided yet. I'll see what happens, but as I said, last year was difficult with me trying to train as much as possible and then being away to Leitrim or Sligo or whatever with work," he added.
Meanwhile, Finn Harps have announced a glamour friendly against Manchester United Legends to take place at Finn Park on Monday March 16th (7.30pm).
United greats expected to play on the night include Bryan Robson, Frank Stapleton, Dennis Irwin, Gary Pallister, Lee Sharpe and Clayton Blackmore.
