John Mooney retires from international cricket

JOHN Mooney has decided to hang up his spikes from the international game in order to pursue business interests.

The Ireland all-rounder played 64 ODIs, scoring 963 runs and taking 48 wickets, while he also appeared in 27 twenty20 matches for his country.

The 33-year-old is one of only four Irish players to play in three World Cups, along with Kevin and Niall O’Brien and Ireland captain William Porterfield.

Mooney said: “A business opportunity has arisen which I must pursue. I’ve always given 100 per cent to the team, and it wouldn’t be fair on them to keep going if I’m not fully committed.

“I’ve been playing internationally for 14 years and over the past few seasons have found that the intensity and demands of the modern game have placed a considerable strain on my body.