Conor Gormley has cited Tyrone's 2003 All-Ireland success as the highlight of his playing career.

The three-time All-Ireland winning defender was speaking in the wake of announcing his retirement from inter-county football, describing it as "the most difficult decision that I had to make in my sporting career".

The Carrickmore man paid tribute to his family and former team mate Cormac McAnallen, along with manager Mickey Harte for giving him the time to make the decision.

"In fairness to Mickey he gave me plenty of time to come to my decision and I thought long and hard about it," said Gormley.

"It was disappointing that my last game in a Tyrone shirt ended in a championship defeat against our neighbours Armagh. I suppose at the end of that game it was in the back of my mind that was the last time I would wear a Tyrone jersey but I have only made the decision to retire lately. At the start of last year we had twins and family commitments come first now.

"I have been fortunate to have enjoyed a great career with Tyrone and at the end of the day retirement comes around to everyone and I'm just glad that I left on my own terms. I enjoyed every minute of it and I want to thank my mum and dad, my wife, my sisters and all the family for their support over the years as I couldn't have achieved what I did without them."

"There is no doubt that the 2003 win was the pinnacle for me," he continued. "I remember going to Tyrone games with my mum and dad when I was a small boy and I always wanted to play for the county. To be a part of the first team to win the Sam Maguire was extra special.

"Of course going on to win another two was unbelievable. I will always remember Cormac McAnallen sitting in the corner of the room at Quinns Corner and saying that great teams win more than one All-Ireland.

"Those words always stayed with me when we won in 2005 and 2008 and we won them in Cormac's memory. It was unbelievable the way that he died and it's still difficult to take in."

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