‘Top-class person’ praised after announcing his Roscommon retirement
Roscommon forward, Ciaráin Murtagh, has announced his intercounty retirement after 122 appearances in the Primrose and Blue. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Tributes have been paid to St. Faithleach’s forward, Ciaráin Murtagh, who has announced his retirement from intercounty football.
Murtagh made his senior debut for Roscommon against Longford in the National Football League in 2014, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in the county colours.
He went on to make 122 appearances for the Primrose and Blue, amassing an incredible 24 goals and 312 points, and playing a central role in many of Roscommon’s most memorable moments over the past decade.
Over the course of a distinguished career, Murtagh won a Connacht Senior Football Championship in 2017, four National Football League Division Two titles in 2015, 2018, 2020, and 2022, and a National Football League Division Three title in 2014.
One of the key highlights of his career came in 2017 when he captained Roscommon to a famous Connacht Senior Football Championship final victory against Galway at Pearse Stadium, Salthill.
That triumph was made even more special as his brothers, Brian and Diarmuid, were also part of the panel — a truly proud and historic moment for the Murtagh family and his club.
Roscommon GAA Chairperson Brian Carroll, speaking on behalf of Roscommon GAA, paid tribute to Murtagh’s immense contribution.
“On behalf of everyone in Roscommon GAA, I would like to sincerely thank Ciaráin for his incredible dedication, loyalty, and commitment to Roscommon GAA.
“Since making his debut in 2014, Ciaráin has been an integral part of so many of our most memorable days. Off the pitch, he has always been a top-class person — a leader, a gentleman, and someone who brought positivity and spirit to the dressing room every single day. He will be greatly missed by teammates, management, and supporters alike.”
Roscommon GAA said that Murtagh epitomised passion, leadership, and pride in the Roscommon jersey, as a player, adding that his consistency, sportsmanship, and influence both on and off the pitch had left an indelible mark on the county’s footballing history.
Roscommon GAA concluded by wishing Ciaráin, his wife Mary Lou and his family every success and happiness in the next chapter of their lives.
Murtagh’s retirement follows just months after another key Roscommon forward in recent years, Donie Smith, also called time on his intercounty career.
