Mooney announces retirement

Ireland all rounder Paul Mooney has announced his retirement from both international and representative cricket.

The 30-year-old played 84 times for his country, taking 103 wickets at a cost of 26.65, and scoring 766 runs at an average of 17.02.

"I have been fortunate to have represented Ireland for ten years now and during that period I have had some of the best times and experiences of my life," Mooney said.

"I would like to thank everyone involved in the ICU who have supported me throughout this period. I'd also like to thank my club, North County, who have been outstanding during this period, and The Hills, where I played for 5 years."

There is no doubt that the increased demands on an essentially amateur squad is beginning to take its toll, and Mooney is the first casualty of it.