Niall Grimley with daughter Olivia, following Armagh’s victory over Galway in the All-Ireland GAA Senior Football Final, 2024. Photo: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
All-Ireland winner Niall Grimley hasn’t closed the door entirely on his inter-county career but, for the time being, has revealed he has stepped away from the Armagh panel.
The 2024 Sam Maguire champion, who was also an All-Star that year, scored a point in the Final against Galway which helped secure the title.
Grimley recently helped Madden win their first county championship in October, but the 31-year-old has confirmed that he will no longer be available for county selection.
“I met the boss man (Kieran McGeeney) a couple of months ago and made the very tough decision to step away,” the 31-year-old said.
“It’s not a decision that I have taken lightly, a lot of thought has went into it.
“Obviously, I have two kids at the minute, Olivia is coming three (years old) and Kaden’s only coming three months, so it’s just very busy.”
Despite confirming his news, Grimley admitted that this might not be a permanent goodbye to the Armagh set-up having been a regular name on the teamsheet since his debut in 2016.
“I’m just taking time to step away, it could be for three months, could go back next October and give it another rattle, might never go back,” he added.
“I know the lads (have been) unbelievable, they’re only going one direction. It’s been a decision I’ve had to make for myself. I’ve been on the road 10 years, the past couple of years haven’t been easy with injury.
“I’ve two kids now, a lot going on, tough, tough decision. I’d do anything for the Armagh lads, some of them are the best friends in the world, Joe McElroy is as close to me as my brothers.
“It was a tough decision, but it is a decision that I am happy with and one that is right for me and my family right now.”