Crossmaglen star Oisin McConville announces retirement

Crossmaglen star Oisin McConville has brought a glittering career to an end by announcing his retirement.

The 37-year-old former Armagh forward said it was the right time to quit after Crossmaglen's All-Ireland club semi-final defeat last weekend.

McConville won the All-Ireland title with Armagh in 2002 and his county career included two All Stars.

He won six All-Ireland club titles as part of an all-conquering Cross team, in which he played for 20 years.

Crossmaglen's 2-7 to 1-9 defeat by St Brigid's in the All-Ireland semi-final was McConville's last game for the Armagh club.

McConville has also made headlines off the pitch after speaking publicly about his battle with a gambling addiction.

His trophy-laden career also includes seven Ulster Championships with Armagh and 10 Ulster club titles.

"For my own personal reasons it is the right time - I have been picking up injuries and different things like that," added McConville.

"I'm happy with the decision and at peace with the fact that I'm not going to be playing football any more.

"I have had an unbelievable time playing gaelic football and I've won so much, but for me it was much more than that - it was my life for so many years.

"It is going to be hard, and there is going to be a big void but I have plenty of things to replace it."

McConville's plans for the future include coaching, while he has ruled out an early move into GAA management.

He said he could become a manager in the long-term, but only if it was with Crossmaglen or Armagh.