Tyrone’s Niall Sludden has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

The Dromore clubman made his debut for the Red Hands against Queen’s University Belfast in the Dr McKenna Cup back in 2016 and went on to make 116 appearances for his county, scoring 7-92 in the process.

2021 would mark the highlight of Sludden’s career when he played a key part in Tyrone’s All-Ireland senior championship success as they defeated Mayo in that year’s final.

Also a three-time Ulster SFC winner, Sludden’s displays would earned him a place at right half-forward on the 2021 All-Star football selection.

Speaking to Teamtalkmag.com on his decision to hang up his boots, he said that it had always been a dream to play for his native county.

"It was a very tough decision to make to be honest. I discussed it with Brian [Dooher], Feargal [Logan], my family and some former players and they all said the same thing. Take your time and make the right decision. You are a long time retired,” he stated.

“During the club season and shortly after it I thought it was perhaps the right time to bow out. Having mulled it over I'm happy enough and content that I have come to the right decision. I’m happy that I don’t have to do all that preseason training!"

"Growing up, it was always my ambition to play for Dromore seniors and that led to a 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. Watching players like Colm McCullagh and Ricey (Ryan McMenamin) from Dromore and thinking that maybe someday I would be able to do that."

He added: “I was privileged to have played over 100 games for Tyrone. That’s something that I’m proud of. It was great to chip in with scores along the way and all from play!"

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