Mayo native calls time on Aussie rules career

ONE of the most successful Irishmen to make the move from GAA to Aussie Rules football has announced his retirement from the sport effective immediately.

Pearse Hanley, a native of Ballaghaderreen, has today announced that he his hanging up his boots.

He played 169 games throughout his AFL career after making his debut as a 19-year-old in 2008.

Shortly after he made his Mayo senior debut in the All-Ireland qualifiers against Cavan in 2007, he was recruited by the Brisbane Lions that same year. He would go on to play 129 games for the club before joining the Gold Coast SUNS, going on to make 40 appearances in his four seasons at the club.

“I feel good, it’s obviously been on my mind for a while and I made the decision a few days ago and haven’t had any regrets since, it’s obviously a big decision but I’m ready for it,” Hanley told the Gold Coast SUNS website.

“I think great clubs are built off great people and the SUNS have that, I’ll continue to be on this journey with them, but I’ll be watching on from the stands.

“I’m excited for the next phase in my life and looking forward to sinking my teeth into that.”