The longest serving inter-county footballer confirms retirement after 19 seasons

September 21, 2021 0 By HearthstoneYarns

AFTER 19 CONSECUTIVE seasons lining out for Fermanagh, Ryan McCluskey has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

The 37-year-old was the longest serving inter-county footballer having first joined the Fermanagh panel in 2000, making his National League debut later that year.

The Enniskillen Gaels full-back confirmed that he was hanging up his boots on Monday after a season in which Fermanagh qualified for a first Ulster SFC final since 2008.

“So after 19 years wearing the green and white, it’s time to call it a day,” McCluskey said.

It’s been a memorable journey… Thanks @FermanaghGAA 💚🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/LfQKhxJqhT

— Ryan Mc Cluskey (@clucker60) August 6, 2018

“To the numerous managers, back-room teams and teammates it’s been one hell of a pleasure. To all the fans of the green and white keep believing. We will get there. Thanks for your faithful support.

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“Finally, to my family, friends and especially my mum. You have supported me through the good and bad times, I am forever grateful. I love you all. It’s been emotional.”

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McCluskey made his championship debut in an Ulster preliminary round win over Donegal in May 2001.

He was an integral figure during the county’s journey to the All-Ireland semi-finals in 2004, while also an ever-present en route to provincial finals in both 2008 and 2018.

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