Four-time League of Ireland Premier Division winner and one-time Republic of Ireland international Andy Boyle has announced his retirement.
The 34-year-old Waterford defender called time on a glittering career, having made his senior debut with UCD in 2009 and won international caps at all age levels.
Boyle helped Dundalk to three consecutive Premier Division league titles between 2014 and 2016 before he moved to Preston North End in 2017, where he made 12 appearances before loan spells at Doncaster, Dundee FC and Ross County followed.
In the same year, he played 45 minutes for Ireland against an Iceland side for whom Heimir Hallgrimsson was joint-manager.
The experienced central defender made the move back home to Dundalk in the summer of 2019 and helped them to another league title and the FAI Cup before joining Waterford late last year, after the Lilywhites were relegated.
Boyle announced his decision to hang up his boots in a statement which read: "The day has come a little sooner than I would have hoped.
"Football has given me and my family more than I could ever have imagined when I first started out. As a child, I dreamed of playing professionally, but I could never have foreseen the incredible journey this game would take me on.
"I've been fortunate to play for some incredible clubs and had the ultimate privilege of representing my country.
"To all the managers, coaches, teammates, medical staff, and club officials I’ve worked with — thank you for helping me grow not just as a player, but as a person. Along the way, I’ve made friends for life.
"A special thank you must go to my family — to my wife Hayley, my daughter Indie, and my Mam and Dad — for their unconditional support throughout my career. You’ve been there to share the unforgettable highs and to pick me up through the tougher moments.
"It’s been one hell of a journey."
