By Niall Gartland

MONAGHAN stalwart Kieran Hughes has announced his intercounty retirement 15 years after making his debut under Seamus McEnaney back in 2009.

Hughes, who turns 34 next month, played a major part in Scotstown’s run to an Ulster final berth in December but has decided the time is right to bring down the curtain on his intercounty career.

Brother of another Scotstown and Monaghan stalwart – Darren – Kieran had a long and distinguished playing career, winning Ulster medals in 2013 and 2015.

He has battled knee and hamstring injuries throughout his career, limiting his game-time significantly in recent seasons but he still played from the start of what turned out to be his last game with Monaghan, namely last season’s All-Ireland semi-final clash against Dublin.

Meanwhile Tyrone footballer Richie Donnelly has opted to take a year out from the intercounty scene, as reported earlier this week by The Irish News. Donnelly had a sensational season with Trillick but has decided the time is right to take a break from the intercounty game.