Conor Meyler forced to call time on inter-county career

The 31-year-old ended an agonising two-year wait to return to Tyrone colours when he lined out against Cavan in an All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final last June

EMOTIONS RUN HIGH: Tyrone's Conor Meyler is greeted by his mother Paula following his return to action from a long-term injury that sidelined him for two years prior to his return to colours in Enniskillen against Cavan. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Tyrone’s 2021 All-Ireland winner Conor Meyler has been forced to retire from inter-county football through injury at the age of 31.

Meyler announced his decision on Instagram on Wednesday night. In a heartfelt post, the Omagh St Enda’s man admitted the toll his injuries had taken on him. 

After three knee operations, Meyler ended an agonising two-year wait to return to Tyrone colours when he lined out against Cavan in an All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final last June.

On Instagram, the 2021 All-Star posted: “Time to hang up the boots. As much as the mind still wants to go on, it's finally time to listen to the body and move on from football.

I've been incredibly fortunate to live a dream of representing my club and county for over a decade, alongside some of my childhood heroes and closest friends, whom we've shared some incredible moments which I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

“Football has been the most beautiful pursuit and one of my greatest teachers. I have given football every part of me and it has challenged me, taught me tough life lessons, but ultimately it shaped me and gave me every opportunity both on and off the field to become the person l am today.

“To my family and close friends, thank you for being there through the good days and the tough ones, for every sacrifice and all the unseen support. To every county, club, and college team-mate, coach and manager, trainer, medical staff member, backroom team, and everyone outside these groups who supported me or walked any part of the path with me I am truly grateful to you all, thank you.

“From a young boy in Omagh kicking a ball against a wall with a big dream who backed and believed in himself I could never have envisaged how it would all unfold.

“This chapter closes with nothing but appreciation, love, and gratitude.”