Emlyn Mulligan announces Leitrim retirement with immediate effect

Tributes have been paid to Emlyn Mulligan after the Leitrim star announced his retirement after a 17 year career representing the Green & Gold at inter-county level.

In an announcement made on social media, the long serving former Leitrim captain wrote "Unfortunately my days of representing Leitrim GAA have come to an end, past injuries have caught up with me and my body just can’t deal with the demands required to compete at inter county level anymore. It was a pleasure.

"Thanks for all the support since making my league debut in 2006 until now. Looking forward to heading to New York next week, now as a supporter, to cheer on Andy and the lads."

pic.twitter.com/2BkjDWdCuN

— Emlyn Mulligan (@emlynmulligan) March 29, 2023

In a career defined by an unerring accuracy from frees and a fanatical determined to recover from three cruciate knee injuries that wiped out some of his best years in the Green & Gold, Mulligan was the centre-point of many Leitrim teams as helped Leitrim to FBD Insurance Connacht League titles in 2012 & 2013 while winning Leitrim Senior & Intermediate titles with Melvin Gaels in 2011 and 2012.

The Kinlough man also played club football with St Brigid's of Dublin before returning to play for Melvin Gaels but has spent the last number of years lining out with St Mary's in Sligo.

Numerous tributes were paid to the retiring star on social media. Former Roscommon goalkeeper Shane Curran and Dublin All-Ireland winner Paddy Andrews were among those who paid tribute.

Well done Em in a fantastic career - done your family club and county proud

You can enjoy a career as a body double going forward ..

— Shane Curran (@shanetcurran) March 29, 2023

Congrats @emlynmulligan great stint

— Paddy Andrews (@PaddyAMetis) March 29, 2023

Well known Leitrim supporter Sean McPartlan also paid tribute to Emlyn:

Grá mór to @emlynmulligan of @LeitrimGAA - one of my sporting heroes & all round good guy. More family time for @elainemulligan_ and the wee one! Ádh mór for the future & míle buíochas for all the memories, including that shedload of points at #GaelicPark New York in 2013 pic.twitter.com/fhkwfa9XxB

— Sean McPartlin (@SeanMcP) March 29, 2023

Current Leitrim footballer Shane Quinn also paid tribute to his former teammate:

One of the best to ever to do it in the green and gold!! huge loss to the county!! All the best @emlynmulligan https://t.co/zpxrgU9L02

— Shane Quinn (@ElQuinner_7) March 29, 2023

Emlyn Mulligan pictured with his teammates before last year's Connacht SFC clash with London to mark his 100th appearance for Leitrim