TWO OF Westmeath’s longest serving senior footballers have announced their inter-county retirements.

Damien Healy and Martin Flanagan were both part of the county’s minor team in 1994.

Tyrrellspass clubman Flanagan is considered to be one of the finest talents the county has produced, but retires without a Leinster medal after falling out of favour with then manager Páidí Ó Sé during the successful 2004 senior football campaign.

Equally at home at midfield or full forward, he made his championship debut against Wexford in 1995 and won NFL Division Two medals in 2001, 03 and 08.

St Mary’s player Healy made his made his NFL debut against Antrim in 1996 and his Leinster championship debut against Carlow came two years later.

Renowned for his speed and versatility, he was also part of the three Division Two winning sides, and was centre back on the 2004 Leinster championship winning team.

Derek Heavin has already announced he has been forced to retire from football due to the horrific knee injury he sustained in this year’s Leinster semi-final against Louth.

Dual stars Paul Greville, Philip Jordan and Brendan Murtagh have indicated their willingness to combine both codes in the coming season.