A playing career, laden with endless on field attributes and complemented with notable silverware success, Clann na Gael clubman, Donie Shine, confirmed his retirement from a rewarding gaelic football career this week, his persistent injuries ordeal giving cause for this decision.
His pivotal presence in the primrose and blue of Clann na Gael and Roscommon will be remembered fondly by supporters of both teams, his playing impact proving key during the successes attained.
A playing prowess which gained national attention when Roscommon won the All-Ireland minor title in 2006 gained significant momentum culminating in a man of the match performance in the 2010 Connacht senior football final, his accuracy from placed balls proving the difference as the Rossies beat Sligo by the minimum.
Captaining Clann na Gael to win the senior county football championship in 2018, Shine was awarded his club’s ‘player of the year’ accolade on five separate occasions.
Paying tribute to the forward talisman this week, a statement released by Clann na Gael noted that Shine enjoyed “memorable performances in the club jersey, culminating in his captaining of the team to our 21st senior football county title in 2018. His winning of the club’s ‘player of the year’ award on five occasions speaks volumes of the excellence of his displays during his career.
“Donie was one of the greatest ever players to wear the Clann na Gael colours and everyone within our club wishes him the very best for the future.”
Westmeath camogie stalwart retires
Meanwhile, Westmeath camogie stalwart, Mairead McCormack, has opted to retire from inter-county activities citing injuries as the main cause for her decision.
The Streamstown native enjoyed notable success with the Lake County during her playing days, having a positive on field impact as Westmeath claimed historic Junior and Intermediate All-Ireland successes.
In her capacity as captain during the victorious All-Ireland Intermediate camogie campaign, her goal was the crucial moment of the final fixture with Galway, giving cause for confidence levels to rise amongst her playing colleagues and culminating in McCormack raising aloft the Jack McGrath Cup much to the glee of Westmeath supporters.
Her playing influence has proved vital to Westmeath’s provincial and All-Ireland successes in recent years with Westmeath GAA noting her positive impact this past week in a statement released courtesy of their numerous social media channels.
“McCormack has been a warrior and leader on the pitch over the years and has been a role model for many girls throughout the county. We would like to wish Mairead the very best of luck in the future and say well done on a brilliant career.”
