Thanks for all the memories damien

DAMIEN HAYES, Portumna and Galway hurling star, has announced his retirement from the game at inter-county level.
Since he played for Galway in back-to-back All-Ireland Minor Championship winning teams in 1999 and 2000, Damien has held a special place in the hearts of Galway people at home and around the world.
Not only those who love sport; he was a folk hero to all who ever saw him play because of a wonderful combination of skill, flair, personal courage, fierce determination, a never-say-die attitude and an unwavering pride and sense of joy in wearing the famous jerseys of his club and county.
In his 16 years in the Maroon and White (14 years senior, two years a minor), there was always something special about Damien Hayes in action — quite simply, he brought his sparkling personality onto the pitch and it was clear that the Clash of the Ash always inspired him.
In a distinguished playing career, he made a record 52 Championship appearances for Galway, scoring 25 Championship goals (also a record) and he won three All-Star awards (2005, 2010 and 2012), two National League medals (2004 and 2010), a Leinster Championship medal (2012) and two All-Ireland Minor medals; four All-Ireland Club Championship medals, three All-Ireland Sevens medals; six County Senior Hurling Championship medals, seven County Senior League medals, two County Minor Championship medals, and he also captained Galway U-21 hurlers.