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Richard Dunne has finally lowered the Iron Curtain on his 18-year career.

The Irish Sunday Mirror understand the Ireland legend has decided to hang up his boots following Queen’s Park Rangers relegation from the Premier League.

The 35-year-old was officially released by the club on Wednesday, but had already decided to pass up other offers to continue playing, in favour of spending more time with his family; wife Helen and children Lila and Tayo.

Dunne was linked with a move to India, USA and a return to Ireland, but has called an end to a ­professional playing career that began in 1997 when he signed his first contract at Everton.

Meanwhile Martin O’Neill has left out striker Kevin Doyle as he finalised his 27-man squad for Ireland’s friendly against England next Sunday and the Euro 2016 Group D qualifier against Scotland on Saturday week.

Anthony Stokes, Simon Cox and Adam Rooney, Anthony Pilkington and Alan Judge also miss out.