After accumulating 182 caps for Ireland, John Mooney has called time on his international cricket career.
Mooney, who is from north Dublin, told CricketIreland.ie that personal commitments to business and family meant he could no longer give 100% to the Irish team.
At this stage of my career, I’m beginning to think about what comes next, especially commitments to my new gym and personal training business. I’ve always given 100% to the team, and it wouldn’t be fair on them to keep going if I’m not fully committed.
I’ve also 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. It’s also become increasingly difficult to spend such long periods of time away from my wife and young family.
Mooney also recalled his most memorable moment for Ireland - scoring the winning runs against England in Bangalore in 2011.
I’ve some fantastic memories having played in three World Cups - the first of which in 2007 included my elder brother Paul. In 2011 I also had what I described as my ‘Ray Houghton moment’ hitting the winning runs against England.
I’ve worn the jersey with pride and passion in the last 14 years and would like to thank my family, team mates, support staff and Cricket Ireland who have helped me during what has been an incredible journey.
Last year, Mooney spoke openly to 2FM's Game On regarding his battle with depression.
The allrounder believed the origins of his troubles to be in witnessing the death of his father when he was just 11-years-old. This led to excessive drinking in later years.
About two years ago, I had to go and do some counselling. My father dropped dead in front of me as a 11-year-old and I never really dealt with those issues coming into my teenage years, I got into a bit of trouble. I made a promise to him that I was going to play cricket for Ireland and that was the real driving force for me to even stay in the game.
At the time he talked of it being an 'ongoing fight'.
This is going to be an ongoing fight. This is a battle I am going to be dealing with for a while. I don't think you can ever take your eye off the ball and get away with something like this. It is a recovery programme and it is ongoing. I am on the right side of it at the moment and am hopefully going to stay there as long as I possibly can. I know with the support and the people around me, I am going to come out on the right side of it.
Less than six months later, he would once again play for Ireland at a World Cup, just one of three appearances he made for his country in the tournament.
Picture credit: Brendan Moran / ICC / SPORTSFILE
