Wexford keeper calls it a day

Long-time Wexford goalkeeper John Cooper has confirmed his retirement from inter-county football, with last Saturday's SFC qualifier defeat to Fermanagh being his final game in county colours.

Cooper made his senior debut for Wexford against Kilkenny in the 1992 National League and had a long run in the side before taking a breaking from inter-county duties between 1999 and 2002.

With his top level career totalling 12 years, the Gorey based Garda made over 100 competitive appearances in goal for Wexford - he hit the century mark in last July's All-Ireland qualifier win over Monaghan.

The 37-year-old put in arguably his best display for the Model county last summer when he produced four breathtaking saves to help his side to a famous Leinster SFC quarter-final win over Meath.

Cooper, who plays for the Adamstown club, had a brief retirement from the game in April but he bounced back from an arm injury to start Wexford's Leinster quarter-final defeat of Louth last month.

Cooper lives in Davidstown with his wife Mairead, who is a sister of well-known horse trainer Paul Nolan, and their three young children - Darragh, Sean and Tara.

Kilanerin net minder Tom Hughes, who was Wexford's Under-21 goalkeeper last year, is now set to fill Cooper's boots at senior level.