Our thoughts are with Eamon Dunphy at this difficult time.
Wes Hoolahan has announced his decision to retire from international football.
Due to turn 36 in May of this year, the Norwich City man said that he made the decision based on “a mixture of things” but his age was the primary factor in him deciding that he had played his last game in an Irish jersey.
"It wasn’t an easy decision to make, to retire, but I feel it’s one I had to make and this is the right time to do it," Hoolahan told
The Herald.
"It’s a mixture of things that led me to make this decision but mainly age, I will be 36 soon, I’ll be 38 when the next Euros come around, so it’s time to move aside.
"I had two great campaigns with Ireland and the Euros in France was an amazing experience."
Hoolahan told the paper that he had informed Martin O’Neill of his decision last week and that the Ireland manager wasn’t inclined to stand in his way.
"He knew my mind was made up and it was time to go," Hoolahan said.
Hoolahan was first picked in an Irish squad in 2002 while still playing for Shelbourne but didn’t make his international debut until a friendly win over Colombia at Craven Cottage in 2008.
Affectionately known as ‘Wessi’, Hoolahan earned 40 caps for Ireland and scored three goals, including a memorable effort against Sweden at Euro 2016.
Blessed with an obvious creative talent, Hoolahan’s international experience has been something of a frustrating one, with fans and pundits (particularly Eamon Dunphy) alike wondering why he wasn’t afforded more time on the pitch under successive Irish managers.
Thanks for the memories, Wes.
