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."
TweetAfter 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