LONG-SERVING Monaghan forward Dermot Malone has decided to pull the plug on his intercounty career following medical advice.

Malone, who is dealing with the reocurrence of a knee injury, has decided the time is right to call an end to his Monaghan career, though it is understood he will still play for his club, Castleblayney Faughs.

Malone was a firm favourite with supporters for his dedication and commitment since graduating to the senior set-up in 2010. He made an immediate impact, playing every game in the national league that year, before injury ruled him out of the first round of the championship against Armagh.

He went on to have many great days in the Farney jersey, lining out in the forward line for their Ulster Championship triumphs in 2013 and 2015. Another memorable moment was his performance in the last round of the ‘Super Eights’ against Galway in 2018. He won the man of the match that day, helping to set up an All-Ireland semi-final appearance against Tyrone.

A consistent performer, Malone held onto the starting jersey for the vast majority of his career. His last game for Monaghan was this year’s Ulster Championship final defeat to Tyrone, where he came on as a substitute.