Darren Hughes has brought the curtain down on his 19-year senior inter-county career with Monaghan.

The 38-year-old was one of the longest serving inter-county footballers in the country, having made his debut way back in 2006 against Louth in the Tommy Murphy Cup. Described as a ‘true warrior’, the versatile Scotstown clubman went on to win two Ulster SFC medals in 2013 and ’15, three National League medals, one McKenna Cup and also represented Ireland in four International Rules series. For much of his Monaghan career, he soldiered alongside his brother Kieran, who retired last year.

“The time has come for me to retire from inter-county football with Monaghan,” said Hughes in a Monaghan GAA statement.

“It has always been a great honour to wear the Monaghan jersey and I am truly grateful for the memories I have both on and off the field.

“To my teammates past and present – thank you for the memories, the battles, the laughs and the lifelong friendships.

“To all of the managers, coaches, selectors and backroom staff who have guided me over the years – thank you for your belief in me, your guidance and your dedication to Monaghan football. Thank you to the county board and sponsors who made it all possible. It has been a pleasure.

“To the Farney Army – your passion, loyalty and unwavering support through all of the highs and lows over the years have meant everything.

“To my family – your support, sacrifices and encouragement made this journey possible. I will never be able to thank you enough.

“I am lucky to say I have enjoyed every minute. I leave with incredible memories, lasting friendships and look forward to many years supporting from the stands!

“Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.”

Monaghan manager Gabriel Bannigan added: “I cannot speak highly enough of Darren Hughes as a player and person.

“The service he has given Monaghan football is phenomenal, a career spanning 19 years and over 200 matches. I’m pretty sure Darren has a unique record which I’m not aware any other player has and that is lining out for Monaghan in every line on the pitch, including a couple of Ulster championship games in goals.

“I think that gives you a good insight into what makes him the man he is, he would literally stand on his head for the good of Monaghan football.

“To me Darren had it all as a player, he had pace and power, excellent defensively and a powerhouse going forward, and of course he was teak tough and he was ultra consistent, you could be guaranteed at least an eight out of 10 every day that man went out.

“I was lucky enough to get to work with Darren for the last three seasons. Many will know he suffered a very serious injury in 2024 at 37 years of age, the rehab took almost six months but back Darren came to star for his club Scotstown as they won another senior championship, and then at 38 years of age to stay on and give Monaghan one more year’s dedicated service. It was my first year as manager, it would have been so easy, convenient even, for Darren to retire, particularly after Monaghan being relegated to Division 2, but he stayed on and made a vital contribution to our squad both on and off the pitch as we returned to Division 1 for the 2026 season.

“One of our greatest ever players, a true Monaghan warrior, we will miss Darren but thank him so much for his dedication to our jersey over the last 19 years. Take a bow Darren!”

 

🗞️𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬!

📣𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞!

𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲!

𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞👇https://t.co/etQ84mCCB6 pic.twitter.com/kkkDXUnvmK

— @monaghangaa (@monaghangaa) August 25, 2025

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