End of the road for 'Peter the Great'

Tyrone forward Peter Canavan has called time on his lengthy inter-county career in the aftermath of yesterday's sensational All-Ireland SFC final win for the Red Hands.

The 34-year-old teacher, who had a massive influence on the game despite sitting out the middle third of the 1-16 to 2-10 defeat of Kerry, admitted he will not be returning to the fold next season in an attempt to win a third All-Ireland SFC title in four season.

Asked by reporters at Croke Park if he will return in Tyrone colours, Canavan said: "No, I don't feel like going on. I’ve spent enough time on the treatment table this year."

The Errigal Ciaran Star reiterated those sentiments at last night's post-match dinner in honour of Mickey Harte's victorious side at Dublin's City West hotel.

On hearing the news live on television, his team mates initiated a standing ovation for the much-loved Canavan, who was a former teacher of man-of-the-match Owen Mulligan.

After an epic final, Canavan, who won an Under-21 All-Ireland title back in 1991 and the first of five All-star awards three years later, admitted: "What a way to win an All-Ireland. Ten matches, beating the Ulster champions, the Leinster champions, the Munster champions, and also the current All-Ireland winners.

"Maybe those people that criticised our style of football will think otherwise now and give the county a bit of respect."