Conleith Gilligan retires from inter-county duty with Derry

Conleith Gilligan

Derry forward Conleith Gilligan has called time on his inter-county career because of the growing commitment required to play at that level.

The 32-year-old was called into the Oak Leafers' panel by Eanonn Coleman in 2000 and made his debut as a substitute against Cavan in the Ulster SFC.

The Ballinderry man played in a number of roles during his 11-year career.

Gilligan scored a goal against Armagh to help Derry reach last year's Ulster SFC final, where they lost to Donegal.

New Derry manager Brian McIver was in charge of Ballinderry when Gilligan helped them win the All-Ireland club title in 2002.

"I have spoken with Conleith over the past number of weeks and he has confirmed to me that he wants to take a back seat from intercounty football," McIver told the Derry GAA website.

"I know it was a difficult decision for him and he didn't finally make his mind up until very recently. I respect that.

"We're disappointed to lose him but Conleith owes neither Derry or Ballinderry anything, and I pay tribute to him."