THEY GAVE THEIR counties loyal and unstinting service over several years.
But some of the country’s leading GAA stars saw their inter-county careers come to an end after the 2012 championship season.
Some departed with medals, some were left with regrets but all left great memories as they established themselves as leading lights in hurling and Gaelic football.
As the 2013 GAA championship cranks into action, there’s plenty who will be looking on in the role of retired men as the action unfolds.
15. Aaron Hoey (Louth)
14. Barry Cahill (Dublin)
13. Brian McGuigan (Tyrone)
12. Donal Og Cusack (Cork)
11. Eamonn O’Hara (Sligo)
10. Eoin McGrath (Waterford)
9. Joe Bergin (Galway)
8. John Mullane (Waterford)
7. Nicholas Murphy (Cork)
6. Noel Hickey (Kilkenny)
5. Padraic Joyce (Galway)
4. Ronan McGarrity (Mayo)
3. Ryan McMenamin (Tyrone)
2. Sean Óg Ó hAilpín (Cork)
1. Tomás Quinn (Dublin)
All pics by INPHO