Vaughan calls it a day
Donal Vaughan has announced his retirement from inter-county football at the age of 32.
Vaughan started all five All-Ireland finals for Mayo between 2012 and 2017. He claimed the Man of the Match award in the drawn All-Ireland final of 2016 against Dublin, kicking an injury-time point before Cillian O'Connor's equaliser.
He was sent off in the 2017 final after he was shown a red card for raising a hand to John Small.
Making his Mayo debut in 2009 under John O’Mahony, he formed one of the most formidable half-back lines that Mayo has ever produced alongside Lee Keegan and Colm Boyle.
In a glittering career, he won seven Connaught SFC titles and a National League title in 2019. His final appearance for Mayo was against Dublin in the 2019 All-Ireland SFC semi-final at Croke Park.
In a statement, Vaughan said: “It is with a heavy heart that I have come to the decision that the time is now right to hang up my boots.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the army of Mayo fans for all of their support over the years, especially to those who took the time to send me cards, letters and messages.
“I would like to thank all of my current and previous management teams, medical, county board officers and support teams who have helped me over the years. I would also like to thank all of the people who helped to develop me as a footballer from an early age.
“To my parents John and Tricia, my sisters Ailish, Laura and Mary, all close and extended family and friends who have followed me to every corner of the country, I will never forget your love and support.
“My wife Mairéad has been a pillar of support to me and I would like to take this opportunity to thank her. I’m looking forward to going to games in the future with her and our new-born son Eddie and cheering Mayo on.
“To my fellow teammates who I have soldiered with over the last twelve years: it has been an honour and a privilege to wear the green and red alongside you with pride. You are men of outstanding character and relentless drive.
“Finally, I would like to acknowledge how tough a year this has been for everybody. Stay strong and stay safe.
“Maigh Eo Abú – Donie.”