McShane opts out of Tyrone panel ahead of All-Ireland SFC

Cathal McShane helped Tyrone lift the All-Ireland SFC title in 2021 but has now stepped away from the panel

Tyrone have been dealt a blow ahead of the beginning of the All-Ireland SFC as forward Cathal McShane has stepped away from the panel.

McShane's last appearance for the Red Hands came last month as he was drafted into Malachy O'Rourke's starting 15 for their Ulster Championship opener against Cavan with Darragh Canavan ruled out through injury.

The All-Ireland winning forward was not named in the matchday squad for Tyrone's semi-final defeat to Armagh as Canavan and Mark Bradley returned from injury.

The Owen Roes attacker made just one National League appearance this season, coming off the bench to kick a point in Tyrone's defeat at Mayo in February.

McShane made his inter-county debut a decade ago against Donegal in 2015 and throughout his time in red and white he picked up three Ulster SFC medals (2016, 2017 and 2021) alongside his All-Ireland SFC medal in 2021.

McShane won an All-Star for his performances in 2019, finishing as the All-Ireland SFC's top scorer, kicking 3-48 in nine games.

He suffered a serious ankle injury in a league game at Galway at the beginning of the 2020 season before returning to help Tyrone win the All-Ireland title in 2021, scoring goals off the bench in their semi-final win over Kerry and in the decider against Mayo.

The 29-year-old's absence will prove a blow to O'Rourke and the wider Tyrone squad as they head into an All-Ireland round-robin series starting with a trip to the Ulster champions before hosting Mayo and taking on Cavan at a neutral venue.