Down footballer Benny Coulter has announced his inter-county retirement.

The 32-year-old has signalled his intention to end a 14-year career with his county - the high-point being the experience of captaining them to the All Ireland final in 2010, when they lost out to Cork.

The Mayobridge forward has issued a statement saying that the time has come for the next generation of Down footballers to make their mark.

"In 2010 I was privileged and honoured to lead my county in the All-Ireland final and I will always regret that we failed to deliver on the day. I am indebted to James McCartan for the support he gave me in the five years that he was team manager. I had played with James and it was an absolute honour to have worked with him as manager," he went on to say.