Kevin McGuckin has brought the curtain down on his 10-year Derry senior football career.

A NFL medallist in 2008, the 31-year-old Ballinderry clubman made his debut under the late Eamon Coleman in 2002 and was regarded as one of the best corner backs in the game. He has cited injuries and family commitments as his reasons for bowing out.

"It's a decision that I'd first considered back 12 months ago," he revealed in the Irish News.

"I'd suffered with injuries and dips in performance and I was considering calling it a day back then. I'd really been struggling to get a clear run from injury, but John Brennan persuaded me to stay on.

"I came on against Fermanagh (in the championship) and then started against Armagh and Donegal, and I did alright. But against Kildare in Croke Park, it was tough going. When you're in the full back line and getting it tough it's not an enjoyable experience."

He added: "It takes a massive commitment to play county football. My third child was born in August and I've done 10 years with Derry and got plenty out of it.

"I spoke to John Brennan at the end of last season and told him what I was thinking. He asked me to take a bit of time, but I spoke to him before Christmas and told him I had my mind made up."

McGuckin will continue to line out for Ballinderry, who he won an All-Ireland club medal with in 2002. Tweet

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