Ward calls it a day for Donegal

CAOLAN Ward has brought the curtain down on his time with the Donegal senior football team and will not be involved in 2026.

The Letterkenny man played minor and u-21 county football and made his senior debut in 2013 in the McKenna Cup against Fermanagh.

He had to bide his time for an opportunity in the league but it came in 2017 against Kerry in O’Donnell Park under Rory Gallagher and he went on to make his championship debut that summer against Antrim.

The St Eunan’s clubman was a regular feature from then on under Gallagher and Declan Bonner.

Ward played in the Ulster final victories over Fermanagh (2018) and Cavan (2019), while he played the full 80-plus minutes in the provincial final against Derry in 2022.

Ward stayed in favour when Paddy Carr and Aidan O’Rourke were in situ and was part of Jim McGuinness’s squad over the last two seasons.

However, a serious hamstring injury derailed his 2024 season, and while he featured against Mayo in the league this year, opportunities were limited.

The 33-year-old has always been revered for his pace and athleticism and is likely to remain a key player for his club St Eunan’s in the coming seasons, while he is also playing soccer for Whitestrand United.

“What a blast it’s been,” the St Eunan’s College teacher wrote on Instagram.

“Grateful and honoured to be given the opportunity to represent Donegal over the past 10 years.

“Memories to last a lifetime.”