Ian McKinley announces his immediate retirment

Leinster Rugby regret to announce the immediate retirement of out-half Ian McKinley due to an injury that has resulted in him losing the sight in his left eye...

McKinley, 21, played six times for Leinster after making his debut away to the Dragons in May 2009. Following a severe eye injury in January 2010, he played four times last season scoring a try in his Man of the Match display for the province in the league victory over Benetton Treviso in the RDS last February.
The former St. Columba’s playmaker graduated from the Leinster Academy in May with a HETAC diploma and was then rewarded with his first professional contract. This was achieved after an incredible recovery from the serious eye injury, which happened in an All-Ireland League game for his then club UCD, against Lansdowne.

Commenting on his decision, Ian McKinley said: “After the accident happened I was advised that a cataract would develop, but the surgeon was surprised that it did not happen until 18 months after the initial incident.

“I was determined to overcome the temporary loss of sight and get back playing rugby so I was thrilled to return to training in July 2010, six months after the accident. It was such a great source of relief to get the chance to pull on the Leinster jersey again.

“In May, though, I played a game for the Leinster Development side and I had to stop after 15 minutes because of blurred vision. I then sustained a detached retina a week before pre-season and three operations over this summer couldn’t save my sight in that eye.

“I officially advised Joe (Schmidt) about my decision (to retire) last week after consulting with Mr Billy Power in the Eye & Ear Hospital. While I am very upset by this turn of events, now it’s about planning the next stage in my life. I have been in and out of Riverview a fair bit and I have a lot of interests outside of the game.

“At this point I like the idea of maybe pursuing a career in coaching. I’m also exploring the possibility of going back to college and I’m currently in training with Jason Cowman (Leinster Strength & Conditioning Coach) for a triathlon in Portmarnock on September 24th.

“I’m trying to stay positive because there are bigger issues in life that people face everyday and everyone has been so incredibly supportive.

“I will always remember when I captained Ireland against Samoa in the Under-20 World Cup in Japan in 2009 as a particular point of pride in my career.

“I would like to thank my family, my girlfriend Cordelia, Mr Power and all of his colleagues in the Eye & Ear Hospital who oversaw the operations from the start in consultation with Leinster’s Professor Arthur Tanner and all of the medical staff at Leinster.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my playing career and I’m deeply appreciative of my team-mates, the coaching and support staff and all of the supporters who provided me with so many wonderful memories.”

Leinster Coach Joe Schmidt added: “It is always a sad time whenever a player has to call time on his career, but it is especially difficult when a player with as bright a future in the game as Ian has to make the decision so prematurely.

“The courage and determination that Ian displayed in firstly coming back from the loss of sight and then to force his way back into the team is indicative of both his strength of character and his playing ability. His dedication to recover from the initial accident was an inspiration to his team-mates and he was, and remains, a popular member of the squad.

“I know that Ian will be successful in whatever he decides to do over the next few years and I would like to thank him for his significant contribution to the success of the province over the course of his career.”

Name: Ian McKinley
DOB: 4th December 1989
Birthplace: Dublin
Height: 1.80 m (5' 11")
Weight: 90 kg (14 st 2 lb)
Position: Fly Half / Centre
Club: St. Mary's College RFC
School: St. Columba's College, Rathfarnham

Leinster Caps: 6
Leinster 'A' Caps: 5 (v Bristol, Munster x2, Ulster, Connacht)
British & Irish Cup Caps: 8 (v Plymouth Albion x2, Cornish Pirates x2, Newport, Worcester Warriors, Currie, Bedford Blues)

Ireland Under-20 Caps: 9 (v France, Italy, England, Scotland, Wales, Argentina, New Zealand, Wales, Samoa)
Leinster Under-20 Caps: 4 (v English Counties, Ulster, Munster, Connacht)
Ireland Under-19 Caps: 2 (v Italy, France)
Leinster Under-19 Caps: 3 (v Ulster, Munster, Connacht)
Leinster Schools (Under-19) Caps: 4 (v Bedford Academy, Munster, Connacht, Ulster)
Leinster Schools 'A' Caps: 3 (v Connacht x2, Munster)

What a shame! I wish him the best in whatever he goes onto do next.

Whatever about ending his career but the poor fella is now blind in one eye.
Such a shame.

That is so sad. Such a young player with a great future ahead of him, taken away in a moment. He seems to have a great attitude and is well-rounded enough to be a success in whatever career he choses to pursue now.

All the best Ian. And thanks man.

Terrible scenario for him personally as much as his rugby career. Wish him all the best in the future.

Horrible thing to happen to the lad. He was a great talent and I was looking forward to watching him.

He has a lot of things to deal with now, I wish him the very best.

I have been in and out of Riverview a fair bit and I have a lot of interests outside of the game.

Does anyone know what Riverview is? I must say i've never heard of it.

Mick.
http://www.davidlloyd.ie/

Sad story. Same thing happened to Gordon Brown (former British PM).

I remember a Hibs player with only one working eye; thought it was a bit strange.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Shiels

Riverview is a david lloyd gym however leinster moved into part of the building, it backs onto UCD and they have now built a new training facility there

Gordon Banks was blind in one eye towards the end of his career as well wasn't he?

Greyghost told me that Wayne Barnes is as well

That's such a shame to read. I wish him well in whatever he goes on to do.

He was Munsty. Played at lower level after it happened. Amazing for a goalie. And he was an amazing goalie.

Poor fella.

Good luck in everything to him

I feel for the guy. I had a detached retina which the surgeons managed to sort and that was worrying enough let alone what this poor fella is going through

McKinley has made the Italy squad for the AIs. http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/41572839


A great achievement.

What a story!!