Tyrone's Colm Cavanagh has announced his decision to retire from inter-county football.

A vital figure for Mickey Harte's men for close on a decade-and-a-half and the last playing link to the county's 2008 All-Ireland-winning squad, the Moy Tir na nOg clubman showed his considerable versatility by winning All-Stars at midfield and full-back. He came back from a broken collarbone to feature as a substitute in the Sam Maguire Cup win against Kerry 12 years ago and scored a point.

The holder of three Ulster SFC medals, Cavanagh made his senior championship debut against Fermanagh in 2007 and along with his brother Sean, who retired from the county scene in 2017, had backboned Tyrone teams for a number of years. Cavanagh also won an All-Ireland MFC title with the Red Hands in 2004 and helped his club Moy to the All-Ireland intermediate title at Croke Park in 2018. His last game in the Tyrone jersey came in the Allianz League victory at home to Dublin in March.

Brothers in arms. Colm and Sean Cavanagh lift the Sam Maguire Cup for Tyrone in 2008. ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy.

The 33-year-old released the following statement on Twitter to confirm his retirement:

"2020 has taught us a lot, for me it has confirmed that your health is indeed your wealth and with that, it is time for me to step back and pass my Tyrone jersey on to the next in line."

"I am very proud and honoured to have worn the Tyrone jersey for as long as I have and have had some of the best days of my life whilst wearing it. I wish the current and future teams the very best of luck in the seasons ahead and I have no doubt hey will be raising silverware together for many years to come.

"I will always value the friendships I have made along the way and now I look forward to supporting and encouraging my children if they decide to become involved in GAA sports in the future.

"The biggest thank you has to go to the people of Tyrone and all supporters of Tyrone GAA, you support and encouragement has kept us going through some of the toughest times as a county and for that I am forever grateful."

The time has come.... ✌️ pic.twitter.com/uuVNUtdalT

— Colm Cavanagh (@collykid2) September 22, 2020

 

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