Monaghan star Gavin Doogan has hung up his inter-county boots, joining teammates Dessie Mone and Vinny Corey in doing so.
The 32-year-old midfielder won two Ulster titles and helped the Farney County reach their first All-Ireland semi-final in thirty years in 2018.
The Magheracloone man helped his club win the Ulster intermediate title on Saturday night, beating Tyrone outfit Galbally on a 1-15 to 0-13 scoreline at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh.
Doogan follows Mone and Corey in retiring from Monaghan duty ahead of their 2020 campaign after the Clontibret pair announced their news last Wednesday.
Doogan had many memorable days in the white and blue, and although not known for his prolific scoring, netted an excellent goal against Kerry in a one-point league win for the Farney in Killarney in 2017.
Speaking to The Irish News on his retirement, Doogan said he had kept his decision quiet for a while.
“I’ve kept it on the QT this last number of weeks.
“Seamus [McEnaney] and me had a good talk – I have great time for Seamus, massive time for that panel of players, but I’ve three young kids at home, my wife is very understanding, but I just felt now was the time.
“I need to give them some time, some summer holidays. It’s a massive commitment. I had plenty of good days in the Monaghan jersey and I will miss it, but I’m looking forward to getting on the road with the family and going to Galway, Kerry, these places and watching them as a supporter.”
Doogan was a part of Malachy O'Rourke's Monaghan side that won Ulster titles in 2013 and 2015, both times beating Donegal in the decider in Clones.
But the south Monaghan man could so easily have missed the 2013 campaign - which led to Monaghan's first Ulster triumph in 25 years.
“In 2012 I left, packed up and went over to Australia, then ended up coming back and 12 months later you’re walking up the steps of St Tiernach’s Park getting your first Ulster.
“I feel very blessed to have been there in that era under Malachy, they’re memories I’ll cherish them for a long time to come.”
Monaghan kick-off their Allianz League Division One campaign against Pádraic Joyce's Galway in Salthill on Sunday, January 26th.
Cavan are the opposition in their Ulster provincial round tie at Clones next May.
