Rebel stalwart Kavanagh retires

CORK football star Derek Kavanagh has called time on his inter-county football career following this year’s All-Ireland success for the Rebels.

The Nemo Rangers player, who came on as a sub in the All-Ireland SFC win over Down and shipped a broken nose for his troubles, will see out the rest of the club season as he and his colleagues chase another All-Ireland club title, however.

“It’s medical as much as anything,” said Kavanagh yesterday of his decision to retire. “I’ve had a recurring hip injury and it’s too troublesome to continue, so I rang Conor (Counihan) a couple of days ago to let him know.