CJ McGourty has announced his retirement from the inter-county game just days after helping his adopted county Tyrone win the Nickey Rackard Cup title in Croke Park.
The former Antrim footballer has been living in Ardboe for the last number of years and threw his lot in with the Red Hand hurlers last year.
Tyrone are managed by Slaughtneil boss Mickey McShane, a native of Ballycastle.
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Bringing McGourty into the fold proved to be a shrewd move by McShane as Tyrone clinched their second Nickey Rackard Cup with a 1-21 to 0-19 win over Roscommon.
McGourty hit 0-4 with Sean Óg Grogan scoring the game’s only goal in the first half while Dungannon’s Damien Casey hit 0-14 of his side’s tally.
An All-Ireland club winner with St Gall’s footballers back in 2010, McGourty decided winning another All-Ireland title at Croke Park would be a fitting end to his playing days at inter-county level at least.
“What a memorable few days that I will not forget,” McGourty remarked in a statement posted on social media.
“I had some great times in an Antrim jersey. I played on some very good teams, with some excellent players and under brilliant management.
“I am very grateful to have played on Antrim teams for many years in both football and hurling.
“Having lived in Ardboe for the last number of years, the opportunity came about to play with the Tyrone hurlers.
“It has been a time in my career that I have really enjoyed and I was grateful for the opportunity to play with a brilliant bunch of players, to be coached by a fantastic management team and be looked after by a first class medical team. Saturday was just what them players deserved after many years of hard work.
“I know they will kick on and continue to improve and I wish them all the success moving forward. I will miss the banter.
“Thanks to the GPA for all the support over the years. A wonderful service for all players.
He continued: “(I’m) over the moon to have finished my Inter-county career in Croke Park, a place that’s been nice to me over the years and with a team performance like Saturday.
“To get a picture with my biggest supporters, my parents, Claire and Eiméar after the match is something I will treasure forever.
“Thanks to all that helped me over the last 17 years to many to name, but special mention to my school and club coaches. Back to the club football for now, see how long the body lasts.”
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