The longest-serving inter-county footballer in the country has announced his retirement.

Sligo stalwart Mark Breheny has decided to call it a day, just weeks after new Yeats County boss Cathal Corey had indicated that he would be committing to an 18th season in the black and white jersey.

The 36-year-old forward made his senior debut in the 2000 Allianz League and went on to win a Connacht SFC medal in 2007 when his older brother Tommy was team manager. His retirement comes barely a week after that of another veteran, Longford defender Dermot Brady, who made his inter-county debut in 2001.

Mark Breheny in action against Tyrone in 2002. ©INPHO/Patrick Bolger.

"After 17 great years of playing Senior inter-county football with @sligogaa I wish to announce my retirement," Breheny said in a statement on Twitter this morning.

"It was always a huge privilege to represent Sligo at all levels. There were many highs and lows but I will always treasure the comradery I had with my team-mates."

After 17 great years of playing Senior inter-county football with @sligogaa I wish to announce my retirement. It was always a huge privilege to represent Sligo at all levels. There were many highs and lows but I will always treasure the comradery I had with my teammates. pic.twitter.com/v9GcCeuryL

- mark breheny (@mark_bre) January 14, 2018

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