Mayo footballer Donal Vaughan has retired from the inter-county game.
The 32-year-old enjoyed a 12-year spell at the top of the game, collecting six Connacht Championship medals and playing in five All-Ireland finals.
Twice nominated for an All-Star - in 2011 and 2013 - Vaughan was a major part of Mayo's success, forming part of arguably the best half-back line in the country with Colm Boyle and Lee Keegan.
He also won a National League Division One title in 2019, but suffered the disappointment of being sent off at a crucial stage in the 2017 All-Ireland final, when they lost by a point to Dublin.
He played a limited role in recent seasons.
In a statement to the Irish Examiner today, Vaughan said:
"It is with a heavy heart that I have come to the decision that the time is now right to hang up my boots.
"I would like to thank all of my current and previous management teams, medical, county board officers and support teams who have helped me over the years. I would also like to thank all of the people who helped to develop me as a footballer from an early age."
All at @MitchelsGaa show their appreciation of the stellar service which Donal Vaughan has given to @MayoGAA over the last 12 years.
We wish him well on his retirement from inter county football and we look forward to seeing him in the Mitchels colours over the coming years. pic.twitter.com/a7exg5KGd0— Castlebar Mitchels GAA (@MitchelsGaa) January 3, 2021
While also extending his thanks to family members, Vaughan said it was 'an honour and privilege' to play with his teammates over the years. He described them as "men of outstanding character and relentless drive,"
Vaughan, who has played club football with both Ballinrobe and Castlebar Mitchels and runs a successful shoe business, concluded:
"Finally, I would like to acknowledge how tough a year this has been for everybody. Stay strong and stay safe.
“Maigh Eo Abú - Donie"
Vaughan joins Andy Moran and Alan Dillon, among others, in calling time on their careers in recent seasons.
Under James Horan in 2020, Mayo introduced several new faces on their run to the All-Ireland final, where they lost to Dublin.
