Niall Sludden calls time on Tyrone career 

END OF THE ROAD: Tyrone’s Niall Sludden celebrates. Pic: ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson

Tyrone's Niall Sludden has decided to call time on his inter-county career.

The Dromore clubman won an All-Ireland SFC title and All-Star in 2021 as well as three Ulster SFC medals.

“It was a very tough decision to make to be honest,” said Sludden. “I discussed it with Brian (Dooher) and Fearghal (Logan), my family and former players and they all said the same, to take my time and make the right decision for me as you are a long-time retired.

"During the club season and then just after it I was beginning to think it was perhaps the right time to bow out and I mulled over it and I’m happy enough and content that I have come to the right decision and happy that I don’t have to do all that preseason training.

"Growing up it was always my ambition to play for Dromore seniors but then I got the chance to play for Tyrone, which was always a dream of mine. 

"I remember going to Tyrone games in places like Clones with my family and my dad in particular and seeing the players running out on the field, the likes of Colm McCullagh and Ricey (Ryan McMenamin) from Dromore, and thinking that maybe someday I will be able to do that and it’s a dream come through that I was.

"I was privileged to have played over 100 games for Tyrone, that’s some achievement and something that I’m proud of and it was great to be able to chip in with scores along the way, all from play!” 

Sludden helped Tyrone win back-to-back Ulster titles in 2016 and '17 and 12 months later they reached the All-Ireland final only to lose out to the all-conquering Dublin side before going all the way in 2021.

“A lot of people will tell you that you have to lose one to win one but the boys were determined to win one," he recounted. 

“Dublin were a serious outfit but we still believed that we could do it on the day. It was obviously a blow to lose that day but we were always there or thereabouts every year in semi-finals and quarter-finals and when I look back on that I was so lucky to play in Croke Park as many times as I did.

"When we did get over the line in 2021, it was just unbelievable. All the hard work and sacrifices that you were putting in with the lads was all worthwhile in the end. 

"Especially in the year that it was with people losing people to get to the end of that championship and achieve the ultimate prize was something that I will never forget.

"We were so driven to do it and it was just so special for everyone. Going back to the local primary schools after it and the buzz just made you think this is what you do it for. Not just for yourself, team-mates and family but for all the supporters both young and old.

"It just gave everyone a lift within the county as it was tough times for a lot of people and to be able to bring that positivity to your family, friends, community and county was so special and you could never take that was granted and I will have memories forever.” 

The 32-year-old’s retirement comes on the back of a similar decision by Ronan McNamee last year, while Conor McKenna’s return to Australian Rules means that three starters from the All-Ireland winning side are now gone.