03/12/2013

David Healy Retires

Northern Ireland international footballer David Healy has announced his retirement.

Healy, who is Northern Ireland's all-time leading goal-scorer with 36 goals in 95 international appearances, has been without a club since leaving Bury at the end of last season.

He scored twice during his international debut against Luxembourg in 2000, and famously hit home the goal to beat England 1-0 in 2005.

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín praised Mr Healy.

"David Healy is an inspirational figure, his exploits on the field will be remembered by fans both locally and across the globe," she said.

"His wonder strike to beat England at Windsor Park and his hat-trick against Spain live long in the memory.

"Having played at all levels of the game, he built a career which took him to the pinnacle of his sport. He was able to compete with, and often beat, the best footballers in the world.

"David Healy’s 36 international goals helped make football history. As a striker he broke records, hit the net in landmark games and scored a record 13 times in 12 matches during the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign."

(IT/CD)

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