Long-serving Laois footballer Ross Munnelly has retired from inter-county duty just short of his 40th birthday.
Munnelly first featured for the county under Mick O’Dwyer back in 2003 as Laois reached the National League final, losing to Tyrone, and he subsequently made his Championship debut against Wexford in a campaign in which they went on to claim their first Leinster title since 1946 before losing the reigning champions Armagh in the All-Ireland quarter-final.
That ultimately proved to be the high point of Munnelly’s career as despite playing in further provincial finals in 2004, ‘05, ‘07 and ‘18, Laois were beaten in each of them.
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The pacey forward was nominated for an All Star in 2003, ‘05 and ‘06 and represented Ireland in the International Rules series in 2005 and ‘13.
Although Laois were never quite the same force after O’Dwyer stepped down in 2006, Munnelly soldiered on and completed 20 seasons at senior level, playing in all four divisions of the League in that time.
The Arles-Kilcruise man will turn 40 later this month and announced his retirement in a social media post, saying: “I write this note with a smile, as the time feels right to conclude my inter-county playing days.
“Thank you Micko for giving me the chance to achieve my dream of playing for Laois in 2003. It has been both a privilege and an honour.
“My family have been my most loyal supporters and greatest inspiration.
“I will be forever grateful to my club Arles-Kilcruise and all the people that I shared the last 20 seasons with. An amazing experience with learnings and friendships that will last forever.”
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