Hurling's all-time top-scorer Patrick Horgan has announced his retirement from inter-county duty with Cork.
The forward turned 37 in May and suffered his fourth All-Ireland final defeat, to Tipperary, two months ago.
Despite a Celtic Cross eluding him, Horgan was named an All-Star four times and won four Munster titles, including this year after Cork also claimed the Allianz Hurling League crown.
He also holds the record for points scored in both championship 32-683 (779) - ahead of Kilkenny's TJ Reid - and league 26-674 (758).
The Glen Rovers clubman made his senior debut in 2008, having won three Munster minor medals and an Under-21 provincial title.
The departure of 'Hoggie' follows that of Cork manager Pat Ryan, who was replaced by Horgan's former team-mate Ben O'Connor earlier this month.
"After careful consideration having focused on playing for my club Glen Rovers in recent weeks, I have made the decision to step back from intercounty hurling," Horgan said in a statement on social media.
"I would like to thank my family for their love, support and encouragement over the years - my wife Ashley and son Jack, my father Pat, my mother Ann, sisters Ann Marie and Audrey, my brother Johnny, my nephews, niece and my in-laws. Without you all I wouldn't be where I am today.
"A huge thank you to my friends and teammates past and present who have always had my back, and to my club Glen Rovers who have backed and supported me throughout the years.
"Thank you to my employer Dulux Paints Ireland, who have always been understanding and supportive of my hurling career. Thank you to Blackwater Motors also for their incredible support and generosity over the years.
"I would also like to thank Jimmy Barry-Murphy, Kieran Kingston, John Meyler and Pat Ryan in particular, as well as all the men and lifelong friends I played with in the red and white. I wish them and the new manager Ben O'Connor the very best in the coming season.
"I have worn the red jersey for eighteen years and it has been the privilege of my life to represent the people of Cork during that time. I will always be grateful for the support the Cork people have given our team in good times and bad. They are truly the greatest supporters in Ireland.
"Up the Rebels."
Cork GAA chairman Pat Horgan described Horgan as "one of the greats of Cork hurling", adding: "This is a sad day for Cork supporters, coming so soon after the huge disappointment of the All-Ireland final.
"Patrick Horgan can justly lay claim to be one of the greats of Cork hurling. To him, and to his family who supported him over his career, I say, on behalf of the Cork GAA family, thank you for everything."
