Armagh's Charlie Vernon has announced his retirement from inter-county football.
The Armagh Harps clubman makes the decision having had a lengthy innings with the Orchard County after first being called up to the panel in 2005 by Joe Kernan.
The high points being the Ulster Championship successes of 2006 and ‘08 and though Armagh’s fortunes dipped in the last decade or so, the versatile Vernon was one of their most dependable servants.
In a statement, he said: “From underage to minor and then my transition into the senior team in 2005, it has been a great honour and privilege to play for Armagh over the past 14 years.
“I have been fortunate to have played with and against, some of the greatest players to have played our game and have met some extraordinary people along the way.”
After thanking his club, family, Armagh supporters, teammates and management teams, Vernon added: “I end my career in the knowledge that I have given it my all to drive Armagh football forward and I hope that the team continues to make strides towards success at the provincial and national stage once more.”
A county board statement said that Vernon “led by example on and off the pitch and was hugely respected and regarded by his fellow players and management teams”.
It added: “We thank him for his loyalty, commitment and dedication he has given to Armagh football and beyond, and we wish Charlie and his family all the very best in the coming years.”
Vernon’s last appearance for the county was off the bench in the qualifier win over Monaghan in June and his retirement will leave a sizeable gap in the dressing room.
Kieran McGeeney’s side will start 2020 in Division Two while they have been drawn away to Derry in the first round of next year’s Ulster Championship.
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