Meath’s inspirational midfielder John McDermott has retired from inter-county football.
McDermott (32), a winner of two All-Ireland titles with the Royal County, has informed the Meath county board of his decision and declared himself unavailable for selection with immediate effect.
A fixture in the middle of the park for Meath for the nearly 12 years, he has struggled with injury in recent seasons. The two-time GAA All-star is expected to continue playing with club side Skryne.
McDermott tendered his resignation last season but was persuaded to return to the county fold, helping rejuvenate a stuttering Championship campaign and guide Meath to the final. This time, however, McDermott has indicated there will be no u-turns and his decision is final.
Dermot Kealy, Enda McManus and Jody Devine have also ruled themselves out of the inter-county scene for Meath.
Meath manager Sean Boylan, speaking of McDermott's retirement, told this morning's Irish Independent: "John McDermott is an institution in Meath football and he was such a massive man on the field and in everything he did that he is going to be virtually impossible to replace.
"John was a big man in more ways that one and when you needed to win valuable ball in midfield he would never let you down".