Armagh goalkeeper quits inter-county football

Armagh goalkeeper Paul Hearty had decided to call time on his inter-county football career, becoming the second member of the county's 2002 All-Ireland title-winning squad to retire in the past week.

Hearty follows star forward Steven McDonnell in hanging up his boots, and like the Killeavy clubman the big net minder confirmed his retirement via his Twitter page.

He wrote: "After 12 great years I have decided to retire from inter-county football with Armagh. It's a hard decision but I feel the correct one.

"I would like to thank all current and former players who I have had the honour of playing with. Also to my family and friends who have backed me from the start, whatever had to be done, thank you."

Hearty, who celebrates his 34th birthday next month, won his sixth AIB All-Ireland Club SFC medal recently when Crossmaglen Rangers beat Garrycastle in a replayed final.

His collection of inter-county honours with Armagh includes that historic All-Ireland success from 10 years ago, when he was the substitute 'keeper behind Benny Tierney.

He had some key contributions over the years as the Orchard men were crowned Ulster champions on five occasions since 2002, particularly in 2005 when he was nominated for an All-Star award.

Hearty's departure leaves Dromintee clubman Philip McEvoy as the county's first choice goalkeeper as they look forward to their Ulster SFC quarter-final clash with Tyrone on June 10.