2015 has started with a blow for Tyrone and Mickey Harte, with the news that three-time All-Star half back Conor Gormley has retired from intercounty football.
Thirty four-year-old Gormley was a key member of the team that won All-Ireland titles in 2003, 2005 and 2008, and he also won four Ulster titles and three All-Stars during his 13 year intercounty career.
It’s a third big retirement to come out of the county this winter, with Stephen O’Neill and Martin Penrose ending their intercounty careers in November.
The Carrickmore St Colmcille clubman will be famously remembered for his sensational diving block to deny Steven McDonnell’s shot on goal in the dying stages of the the 2003 All-Ireland final, the county’s first ever Sam Maguire.
Meanwhile, Tyrone great and former teammate of Gormley’s, Peter Canavan, has taken up a role with the county’s u21 side.
