Monaghan's Kieran Hughes retires from inter-county game

Monaghan stalwart Kieran Hughes has announced the end of his inter-county career.

Hughes, who turns 34 next month, told the Irish News that, after a long club campaign with Scotstown, his body "is not able to do this anymore, to go from club to county in such quick succession."

He retires after a 15-year inter-county career which began in the 2009 McKenna Cup under then manager Seamus McEneaney.

Hughes was an influential figure in Monaghan's rise in the 2010s, scoring three points from play in their 2013 Ulster final victory, their first for a quarter of a century. He was also part of the side which added another provincial crown two years later.

Dogged by hamstring issues in recent years, Hughes was part of the side that unexpectedly reached this year's All-Ireland semi-final, scoring a penalty in the prolonged shootout victory over Armagh.

Hughes' retirement means manager Vinny Corey will be down another body for the 2024 Allianz Football League campaign, with Rory Beggan missing the early stages - at least - due to his NFL venture, while Karl Gallagher has also departed for the Adelaide Crows.

In better news, Hughes' brother Darren is still available while legendary attacker Conor McManus is around for another season.