Down stalwart Kevin McKernan has announced his retirement from inter-county football.
The Burren man made his debut for Down in 2007 after being part of an All-Ireland-winning minor team two years previous.
McKernan was on the Down team that beat Derry to win the 2008 Dr McKenna Cup, contributing a point in the final.
But the highlight of his inter-county career was being a mainstay in the Down team that made it all the way to the All-Ireland final in 2010.
Having beaten Kerry in the quarter-finals and Kildare in the last four, McKernan started at centre back in the decider.
Despite grabbing a point for his side, Down came out on the wrong end of a 0-16 to 0-15 scoreline.
Equally comfortable in the forward line, McKernan, 34, has announced his retirement after Down’s Tailteann Cup exit at the hands of Cavan.
He said: "It was the most amazing time of my life to be able to wear the Down jersey and I hope that every man, woman and child realises that there are brighter days ahead for our proud county.
"Do what you can for your club in the pursuit of Down playing on the biggest stage again. I know this will happen in the near future as the talent is in our county. Thank you for the memories."
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