Kerry defender McCarthy bows out

Last month's All-Ireland SFC final win over Mayo was Mike McCarthy's last game in Kerry colours - the 28-year-old has announced his decision to retire from inter-county football.

The news comes just a day after Jack O'Connor's stepping down as the Kingdom's manager and it follows on from Kerry centre back Seamus Moynihan's retirement.

It means the Kerry defence will now be without two of its stalwarts for next season.

McCarthy, a richly talented full-back, won his third All-Ireland medal last month and claimed three All-Star awards over the years, in 2000, 2004 and 2005.

The Kilcummin clubman, who works as a draftsman, was also a winner of five Munster championships, two National Leagues and an All-Ireland Under-21 title with Kerry. He made his senior debut for the county back in 1999.