Curran considering retirement after st brigids defeat

One of the best-known figures in local sport has hinted that he could retire from gaelic football with St Brigid's following the South Roscommon club's exit from the club championship.

Goalkeeper Shane Curran (43) - who has also lined out for Athlone Town FC and Roscommon county teams in previous years - said in his weekly Westmeath Independent column that he has 'some thinking to do' about his future after St Brigid's defeat against Mayo side Ballintubber last Sunday.

'It’s too soon for me to announce my retirement from this level of the game, but I certainly have some thinking to do in the next few weeks,' said Curran.

'Perhaps it’s time for the younger players to come through - and St Brigid’s are blessed in this department.

'The quality of the young players on the fringes of the senior team - and starting in the team in some cases - is absolutely fantastic, and ensures the future for Brigid’s can be as spectacular as the past.

'St Brigid’s have a number of experienced players - including myself - that have given lots of commitment to the cause for many years, and that’s a big undertaking for any man.

'The club has a great future and has enjoyed so many good days but this occasion tells us that you can’t win the whole time. Sometimes you have to take a defeat or two along the way and unfortunately last weekend was one such occasion for our side.

'I will consider my future with the team in the coming weeks but I thank all the supporters for their great efforts and commitment to the cause this year and in the past.

'I have worked with plenty of outstanding managers and coaches in the club and together we’ve all managed to put St Brigid’s among the strongest clubs in the country over a consistent period of time.

'Regardless of whether I continue, or whether other players continue, St Brigid’s will continue to strive for further success and there will be plenty more days in the sun, of that I am certain.'

* For more of Shane Curran's views, see his weekly column in the sports section of the Westmeath Independent