Chrissy McKaigue says his commitment to Slaughtneil cannot be questioned.

The Derry star travelled to Australia to represent Ireland in the International Rules Series in between Slaughtneil's Ulster club semi-final and final appearances against Clontibret and Omagh respectively. The gamble had a happy ending as Mickey Moran's men captured the provincial title on Sunday:

"I understand I probably wasn't flavour of the month going away and I've thick enough skin to listen to it," McKaigue comments in The Irish Independent. "I made the decision to go and play for my country and I was loyal to Paul Earley.

"That's the way it is, luckily it worked out well. I don't think anyone can question my commitment or passion for Slaughtneil and I think that should be noted.

"This club means everything to me. It's my life, it's my family's life. I played hurling and football for them since I was eight and I'll play until I'm 48 if I can. It's probably the best day of my life. After Loughgiel beating us in the [Ulster] hurling final last year, I'm just so, so proud.

"A lot of our boys had a long season in hurling and football and I know myself I'm probably a wee bit mentally fatigued. And I'm glad the season is over at this stage.

"We were competing in Ulster hurling too and we had replays and all the rest so I'm delighted we got over the line because I don't think at this stage of the year we were going to be firing on all cylinders but thank God we dug it out of somewhere."

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