Ballina Town veteran announces retirement

BALLINA Town stalwart Duane Helly has announced his retirement after two decades with the club.

The club’s most decorated player in their history, Helly won four league titles and seven Mayo FA and League Cups in a career spanning over twenty years, and is a former player for the Mayo Oscar Traynor team.

Paying tribute on social media, Ballina Town FC said: “Helly was one of the most consistent performers ever to pull on the Town jersey. His dedication and attacking flair down the left wing will be sorely missed over the coming years.”

Jono Heffernan, a member of Ballina Town’s backroom team, added: “Fantastic servant to Ballina Town FC. I was fortunate enough to share a pitch with him on a few occasions and last year while coaching you could see the drive and determination he has had never dipped over the years. I’m sure Duane will be back on the sidelines soon.”

It’s is the second high-profile departure from Ballina Town in recent weeks, following the news that Fabiano has returned to his native Brazil following four years with the club.