Derry attacker Benny Heron has brought the curtain down on his 11-year inter-county career.

The Ballinascreen clubman was to the fore as the Oak Leafers rose from playing in Division 4 of the Allianz League in 2019 to winning a first Ulster SFC title in 24 years in 2022. The 32-year-old, who has a young family, won a second provincial medal this summer before making his final appearance off the bench in Derry's gut-wrenching All-Ireland SFC sem-final loss to Kerry.

Paying tribute to Heron, Derry GAA described him as "an ace finisher with an eye for goal, Benny Heron matched talent with an utterly selfless attitude and was one of the most respected footballers in Derry over the past decade.

"The summer of 2022 will be remembered fondly by all Derry supporters with the county claiming its first Ulster title after a 24 year wait. It was a summer when Ballinascreen's Heron dazzled, becoming a hero to the red and white masses on the streets and terraces of Ulster and around Croke Park.

"On behalf of all Derry supporters we would like to sincerely thank Benny for all his efforts and the memories he has given us. Our best wishes are with Benny, his wife Laura and their young family for the future."

 

Derry GAA can confirm that Benny Heron has retired from senior intercounty football after a decade of service. https://t.co/QLwOWjoIXf

— Derry GAA (@Doiregaa) November 2, 2023

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