Monaghan defender Karl O'Connell has joined Darren Hughes in announcing his inter-county retirement.
One of 10 Farney County players to ever win an All-Star, the Tyholland man won two Ulster titles in the blue and white in 2013 and 2015. He was also part of the Irish squad that travelled to Australia for the last – to date – international series tests in 2017.
O’Connell’s swashbuckling runs from defence were a key asset for Monaghan since his debut in 2012 although his last few seasons were disrupted by injuries.
"Although the decision was easy to make, I still found it incredibly hard to mutter the words to Gabriel (Bannigan)," said O’Connell.
"It has been an absolute privilege to wear the jersey and play for Monaghan.
"I would like to thank the managers and backroom teams over the years for their persistence and belief in me that allowed me to become the player I became known as."
O’Connell becomes the second Monaghan player to step aside after Hughes did likewise earlier this month.
