The list of high-profile inter-county retirements continues, with veteran Down footballer Benny Coulter calling time on his 15-year career. Although he never won an All-Ireland, Coulter was widely regarded as one of the best forwards in the game.

He did win an All-Ireland minor title, in 1999, and also lost out in the 2010 All-Ireland senior final, to Cork, and now aged 32 believes the time has came to step away.

“It is with a heavy heart that I have made the decision to retire,” said Coulter. “I have enjoyed immensely my time as an inter-county footballer, but after 15 seasons I have decided that the time has come to allow a younger breed of Down footballer the chance to make their mark.

“I would like to thank a number of people from the bottom of my heart for the support that they have given me over the years. My club, Mayobridge, first gave me my love of Gaelic football and to all the mentors who spent time over the years moulding me into the player and person I became. I am most grateful. I will continue to give of my best in the sky blue of Mayobridge for as long as team mentors feel I can make a positive contribution.

"My minor manager Gerry Dougherty brought me to All-Ireland minor glory, and allowed me to sample what it was like to win an All-Ireland minor medal. Peter McGrath gave me my first taste of senior inter-county football and I will always thank Pete for that opportunity.

“In 2010 I was privileged and honoured to lead my county in the All-Ireland final and I will always regret that we failed to deliver on the day. I am indebted to James McCartan for the support he gave me in the five years that he was team manager. I had played with James and it was an absolute honour to have worked with him as manager.

“I wish the present Down panel and manager Jim McCorry every success in the season ahead, those boys are like my brothers and I will be supporting them fully throughout the year ahead.”