Daniel Goulding in action for Cork in Croke Park.

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

CORK 2010 ALL-Ireland winner Daniel Goulding has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

Goulding has called time after 11 seasons with the Cork senior squad, making his debut in a league game against Offaly in 2006 while his last appearance came in the All-Ireland qualifier against Longford last July.

The Éire Óg club man believes the time is right to depart.

“It is the right decision for me at this point in time,” Goulding told The42.

“The demands of the inter-county game are massive and I’m not getting as much enjoyment out of it now as I did before.

“Over the last few years, the role of a forward has changed a lot. I was best suited to a corner-forward position and that role got more difficult to play in over the years. That was frustrating at times.

“If you’re not enjoying it and if you’re not 100% up for the challenge of putting it in for the full season, you’re better off not being there.”

Goulding’s standout moment on the pitch was the 2010 All-Ireland senior final when he scored 0-9 in Cork’s win over Down and claimed the man-of-the-match award.

But for the 30 year-old, there were other highlights during his career.

“The 2010 All-Ireland final was an unbelievable experience. Cork hadn’t won it in 20 years and to be part of that of victory with a bunch of great men was a dream come through. It was a special feeling to win the biggest game in your sport.

Cork players celebrate their 2010 All-Ireland final win against Down

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

“But the friendships made over the years were also a huge highlight. I’ve made some great friends through being involved with Cork and it’s probably the thing that I’ll miss most, the craic in the dressing-room and the great people I shared company with.

“Being involved in a Cork senior panel was fantastic. You’re part of an elite sporting environment which demands that you perform to the best of your ability, both on the pitch and as a person.

“There were plenty great games but one that always stands out for me is the 2009 All-Ireland semi-final against Tyrone. It was a savage match and brilliant one to win with 14 men for over half the game against a team that were the All-Ireland champions at the time.”

Goulding retires with All-Ireland medals to his credit at senior (2010), U21 (2007) and junior (2005). He won four National League medals and four Munster senior football medals.

Goulding celebrates scoring a goal in the 2007 All-Ireland U21 final

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

“There are too many people to acknowledge who have helped me greatly throughout the years,” states Goulding.

“I’d firstly like to thank my fiancee Muireann, my parents, family and friends for their unconditional support.

“My club Éire Óg have always been great to me and I am looking forward to playing with my friends from home for the rest of my career.

“Finally, I’d like to thank all my team mates and management teams which I have had the joy of playing with over the last 10 years.

“I’d like to wish the current panel and management all the best for 2017 and look forward to supporting the Cork football team going forward.”

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