STALWARTS Dessie Mone and Vinny Corey called time on their Monaghan careers last week, and Gavin Doogan has followed suit by signalling the end of his inter-county days.
The tenacious midfielder was a central part of Malachy O’Rourke’s squad during a golden period for Monaghan, during which they lifted the Anglo-Celt Cup twice and came within a whisker of an All-Ireland final last year.
But Doogan has decided now is the time to focus on his family as the Farneymen rebuild under Seamus McEnaney.
“I’ve kept it on the QT this last number of weeks,” said the 32-year-old, who helped Magheracloone to the Ulster IFC title on Saturday night.
“Derry was just short-notice for me and I had to pull back” - Philly McMahon impressed by Oak Leaf management talks but the timing was wrong for Dublin legend
‘For a fella of Brian Fenton’s status to leave at 31, something’s gone wrong...’ Philly McMahon struggling to accept that Dublin legend has gone for good
“Seamus and me had a good talk – I have great time for Seamus, massive time for that panel of players, but I’ve three young kids at home, my wife is very understanding, but I just felt now was the time.
“I need to give them some time, some summer holidays. It’s a massive commitment. I had plenty of good days in the Monaghan jersey and I will miss it, but I’m looking forward to getting on the road with the family and going to Galway, Kerry, these places and watching them as a supporter.”
And he departs the scene with some special memories – not least that breakthrough Ulster title in 2013, which he could so easily have missed.
“In 2012 I left, packed up and went over to Australia, then ended up coming back and 12 months later you’re walking up the steps of St Tiernach’s Park getting your first Ulster.
“I feel very blessed to have been there in that era under Malachy, they’re memories I’ll cherish them for a long time to come.”
