Tyrone begin their 2024 season tomorrow when they host Donegal in the McKenna Cup but for the first time since 2016 the Red Hand management will be unable to call upon the services of Niall Sludden who has decided to call time on his illustrious Inter County career.
The Dromore clubman has been an integral part of the Tyrone team since making his debut v Queens in the McKenna Cup and he went on to make 116 appearances for the Red Hands scoring 7-92 in the process. He first came to prominence in a Tyrone jersey back in 2010 as an attacking halfback on the Minor side that won All Ireland honours beating Cork in the decider.
He went on to win 3 Ulster Senior medals but his undoubted highlight came in 2021 when he played a key role in the county’s fourth Sam Maguire Cup success with victory over Mayo, his displays that season winning him a deserved Allstar award.
Niall admits that he thought long and hard about his decision but he is happy with it and admits that it was always a dream to play for Tyrone:
“It was a very tough decision to make to be honest,” said Niall.
“I discussed it with Brian and Fearghal, my family and former players and they all said the same, to take my time and make the right decision for me as you are a long time retired.
“During the club season and then just after it I was beginning to think it was perhaps the right time to bow out and I mulled over it and I’m happy enough and content that I have come to the right decision and happy that I don’t have to do all that preseason training!
“Growing up it was always my ambition to play for Dromore seniors but then I got the 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 in particular and seeing the players running out on the field, the likes of Colm McCullagh and Ricey from Dromore, and thinking that maybe someday I will be able to do that and it’s a dream come through that I was.
“I was privileged to have played over 100 games for Tyrone, that’s some achievement and something that I’m proud of and it was great to be able to chip in with scores along the way, all from play!”
Niall helped Tyrone win back to back Ulster titles in 2016 and 2017 and twelve months later they reached the All Ireland Final only to lose out to the all-conquering Dublin side. It was a setback but they learnt lessons in defeat and reached the Holy Grail three years later.
“A lot of people will tell you that you have to lose one to win one but the boys were determined to win one,” said Niall.
“Dublin were a serious outfit but we still believed that we could do it on the day. It was obviously a blow to lose that day but we were always there or thereabouts every year in semi finals and quarter finals and when I look back on that I was so lucky to play in Croke Park as many times as I did.
“When we did get over the line in 2021it was just unbelievable. All the hard work and sacrifices that you were putting in with the lads was all worthwhile in the end. Especially in the year that it was with people losing people to get to the end of that championship and achieve the ultimate prize was something that I will never forget.
“We were so driven to do it and it was just so special for everyone. Going back to the local primary schools after it and the buzz just made you think this is what you do it for. Not just for yourself, teammates and family but for all the supporters both young and old.
“It just gave everyone a lift within the County as it was tough times for a lot of people and to be able to bring that positivity to your family, friends, community and County was so special and you could never take that was granted and I will have memories forever.”
Niall’s retirement comes on the back of a similar decision by Ronan McNamee last year while Conor McKenna’s return to Aussie Rules means that three starters from the All Ireland winning side are now gone but despite that Niall feels that there are promising days ahead for Tyrone again.
“I would like to hope so, that’s were you always want to be, challenging for the top honours. I enjoyed even last year, even though I didn’t play as much, being in a squad with those young lads coming through.
“They are a very talented bunch and are driven and you only have to look around the club scene in Tyrone to see plenty of potential but the hard work of course has to be done. I’m looking forward to sitting back now and watching Tyrone and hopefully they will have a number of big years ahead.”
