END GAME…Christy Toye is one of the Donegal players stepping aside

KEVIN Cassidy has paid tribute to his former teammates Christy Toye, David Walsh and Rory Kavanagh after they announced their Donegal retirements this week.

Writing in his Gaelic Life column today, Cassidy said that Tir Chonaill fans need to be aware of the impact they made on the county’s fortunes.

“All of those lads have given tremendous service to their county and when you think back to those times when some of those players were slated and accused of enjoying themselves too much then it really shows you just how fickle sport can be,” he said.

“It’s hard for any player to call it a day but I’m sure the fact that they are all around the same age and probably discussed this moment among themselves made the decision a little easier.”

The full column is in today’s Gaelic life, available in shops now or online here.