Long-serving Monaghan midfielder Dick Clerkin has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

Clerkin, 34, made his senior debut for the Farney county in a trial match in September 1999, and would go on make a record 179 appearances in the white and blue.

Throughout that time he was one of the most consistent and effective midfielders in the country.

In his column today in the Irish Examiner newspaper, Clerkin said he knew the time was now right to finally hand up his inter-county boots. 

“Discussing it with my wife Alison at length over the past few months, we both agreed that, for various reasons, it was time to move on,” wrote Clerkin. “Crucially it feels right, but if I’m honest I knew long before now."

After many years toiling at the coal-face for Monaghan football with little reward, Clerkin’s final few years in the jersey were his most successful as he won Ulster SFC titles in 2013 and 2015. 

He was part of a hard-working generation of Monaghan footballers who brought the glory-days back to the county, and say's he's proud to have been a part of it.

“I have witnessed a remarkable transformation in the psyche of Monaghan football during my career,” wrote Clerkin in his column today.

“Motivated by pride, sustained by hard work, validated with success. I am not going to patronise with thanks the countless people who have contributed to making Monaghan football what it is today.

Striking an almost perfect balance between club and county, Monaghan football and all those responsible, should be held up as a shining example of what can be achieved with relatively limited resources.

“Supporters, administrators, sponsors, and mentors, all with a like-minded sense of duty and passion, for something bigger than ourselves.

“I am proud to have been part of that transformation.”