Still reeling for the news that Jack O'Connor has stepped down as manager, All-Ireland football champions Kerry have been dealt another massive blow with the announcement by full back Mike McCarthy that he is to retire from the inter-county scene. Aged just 28, McCarthy has also decided to go out on a high after winning his third All-Ireland medal last month. His retirement comes as a major shock to Kingdom supporters and means that Kerry will begin their All-Ireland defence next year without their defensive spine of McCarthy and Seamus Moynihan, who has also bowed out. The Kilcummin clubman made the full back position his own over the past number of years and was an integral member of Kerry's All-Ireland winning sides of 2000, 2004 and this year. He also won two All-Star awards, five Munster championships, two National Leagues and one All-Ireland under 21 medal in a glittering career. Tweet

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