Tyrone will have to go through their season without Niall Sludden. This week, Sludden announced his retirement from the inter-county scene.
The Dromore clubman, who has been integral since his 2016 debut, retires after 116 appearances. Sludden's displays in 2021 allowed him to win an All-Star award in 2021, a year that also saw Tyrone clinch their fourth Sam Maguire Cup.
Speaking to the Teamtalkmag website, Sludden said, "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 have been retired for a long time.
"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!"
Sludden also claimed that playing over 100 times for Tyrone was also a "privilege," and that is something that he is "proud" of after the end of his career.
"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. I was watching players like Colm McCullagh and Ricey (Ryan McMenamin) from Dromore and thinking that maybe someday I would be able to do that,"he said
"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!"
116 appearances
7-92 scored
3 Ulster SFC titles
1 All-Ireland titleCongratulations on your retirement Niall Sludden! 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Xxb5V3w4ra
— Score Beo (@Score_Beo) January 5, 2024
Sludden played a crucial role in Tyrone's consecutive Ulster title victories in 2016 and 2017. Just a year later, he contributed to the team's journey to the All-Ireland final, where they faced defeat against the dominant Dublin side. Despite the setback, the experience provided valuable lessons, and three years later, they successfully reached the Holy Grail with a win.
"A lot of people will tell you that you have to lose one to win one, but the boys were determined to win that one in 2018," he added.
"Dublin was a serious outfit, but we still believed that we could do it on the day. It was obviously a blow to lose that one.
"When we did get over the line in 2021, it was just unbelievable. All the hard work and sacrifices that you put in with the lads. It was all worthwhile in the end.
"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 around the county 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."
