Laois midfielder Padraig Clancy announces his retirement from inter-county football

New Laois manager Tomás Ó Flatharta must plan for 2014 without the county's most experienced player with the announcement that Padraig Clancy has retired from intercounty football.

After making his debut in 1999, Clancy made 57 championship appearances for Laois, mostly at midfield, the highlight being the 2003 Leinster final win, under manager Mick O'Dwyer.

"Padraig's service to Laois GAA has been tremendous, and his dedication, determination and commitment are an example to players everywhere," said Laois chairman Gerry Kavanagh.

New Cork football manager Brian Cuthbert is also bracing himself for further retirements with speculation that veteran goalkeeper Alan Quirke and midfielder Pearse O'Neill are ready to step aside. Three veteran defenders – Graham Canty, Paudie Kissane and Noel O'Leary – all decided to retire within the last week.

Elsewhere Michael Donnellan has taken his first step into management by joining up with his brother John as part of Galway's minor management team.

Paul Clancy and Declan Meehan, who were part of the U-21 management team which won the All-Ireland, will join senior boss Alan Mulholland as selectors.