MONAGHAN legend Darren Hughes has called time on his inter-county career after 19 years in the blue and white. He made his debut in the Tommy Murphy Cup against Louth in 2006 and enjoyed a had a stellar career.

The Scotstown clubman hangs up the boots having won the McKenna Cup, three National League titles and two Ulster Senior Championship crowns during Monaghan’s most successful time since the 1980s.

On stepping into retirement, Hughes said: “The time has come for me to retire from inter-county football with Monaghan. It has always been a great honour to wear the Monaghan jersey and I am truly grateful for the memories I have both on and off the field.

“To my teammates past and present – thank you for the memories, the battles, the laughs and the lifelong friendships. To all of the managers, coaches, selectors and backroom staff who have guided me over the years – thank you for your belief in me, your guidance and your dedication to Monaghan football.

“Thank you to the County Board and sponsors who made it all possible.  It has been a pleasure. To the Farney Army – your passion, loyalty and unwavering support through all of the highs and lows over the years have meant everything.

“To my family – your support, sacrifices and encouragement made this journey possible. I will never be able to thank you enough.

“I am lucky to say I have enjoyed every minute. I leave with incredible memories, lasting friendships and look forward to many years supporting from the stands!

“Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.”

Monaghan manager Gabriel Bannigan added: “I cannot speak highly enough of Darren Hughes as a player and person. The service he has given Monaghan football is phenomenal, a career spanning 19 years and over 200 matches.

“I’m pretty sure Darren has a unique record which I’m not aware any other player has and that is lining out for Monaghan in every line on the pitch, including a couple of Ulster Championship games in goals. I think that gives you a good insight into what makes him the man he is, he would literally stand on his head for the good of Monaghan football.

“To me Darren had it all as a player, he had pace and power, excellent defensively and a powerhouse going forward, and of course he was teak tough and he was ultra consistent, you could be guaranteed at least an 8 out of 10 every day that man went out.

“I was lucky enough to get to work with Darren for the last 3 seasons, I have to point out one more thing about him, many will know he suffered a very serious injury in 2024 at 37 years of age, the rehab took almost 6 months but back Darren came to star for his club Scotstown as they won another Senior Championship, and then at 38 years of age to stay on and give Monaghan one more year’s dedicated service.

“It was my first year as manager, it would have been so easy, convenient even, for Darren to retire, particularly after Monaghan being relegated to Division Two, but he stayed on and made a vital contribution to our squad both on and off the pitch as we returned to Division 1 for the 2026 season.

“One of our greatest ever players, a true Monaghan warrior, we will miss Darren but thank him so much for his dedication to our jersey over the last 19 years”