Derry's Benny Heron has decided to hang up his inter-county boots after 11 years.
The Ballinascreen player helped his native county win their first Ulster SFC title in 24 years in 2022. Heron's last game for Derry came in this year's SFC semi-final loss to Kerry.
Derry GAA paid tribute to their former player for his efforts in a Derry jersey.
"The summer of 2022 will be remembered fondly by all Derry supporters, with the county claiming its first Ulster title after a 24-year wait. It was a summer when Ballinascreen's Heron dazzled, becoming a hero to the red and white masses on the streets and terraces of Ulster and around Croke Park," said the statement.
"On behalf of all Derry supporters, we would like to sincerely thank Benny for all his efforts and the memories he has given us. Our best wishes are with Benny, his wife Laura, and their young family for the future."
Derry GAA can confirm that Benny Heron has retired from senior intercounty football after a decade of service. https://t.co/QLwOWjoIXf
— Derry GAA (@Doiregaa) November 2, 2023
In other GAA news, Kerry midfielder Jack Barry will not feature for the Kingdom in 2024 because he is taking a year out from football to go Travelling to Australia.
Having featured in Na Gaeil's relegation play-off victory over Kerins O'Rahilly's at the weekend, it subsequently appeared that Barry will be unavailable next year.
The 28-year-old made his Kerry senior debut in 2017 and went on to form a strong midfield partnership with club-mate Diarmuid O’Connor as the Kingdom won the 2022 All-Ireland SFC title and reached this year’s final as well.
Finally, Paul Kelly has been installed as the new Tipperary football manager on a three-year term. The Dubliner succeeds 2020 Munster SFC winning manager David Power.
Tipperary football committee chairman Conor O'Dwyer said: "I am delighted with the management team we have put in place for the next three years.
"All involved bring a wealth of experience across all aspects of football coaching and management and place Tipperary football in a strong position to progress and prosper.
"In particular, in Paul Kelly, I believe we have a man with the footballing experience, organisational ability, and passion to succeed, to successfully lead Tipperary football over the next few years.
"We wish him and his team well as they start out on this journey and will do all we can to support them along the way."
