Sean Cavanagh has confirmed that he will play on for another year with Tyrone, writes Stephen Barry.
The three-time All-Ireland winner will turn 34 in February, but will continue into a 16th season in the Red Hand jersey.
Cavanagh had fuelled speculation that he would continue playing inter-county football for one more year after his “one for the road” tweet earlier today.
One For The Road....
— Sean Cavanagh (@SeanCavanagh14) November 1, 2016
He has since confirmed the news, with Tyrone’s quarter-final disappointment against Mayo, in which Cavanagh was sent-off, a factor in his decision.
Cavanagh wrote: “I’m a lucky man. Hope to be fit & healthy enough to pull on my beloved Red Hand jersey in 2017. Couldn’t finish like that…”
I'm a lucky man. Hope to be fit & healthy enough to pull on my beloved Red Hand jersey in 2017. Couldn't finish like that...⚪️🔴
— Sean Cavanagh (@SeanCavanagh14) November 1, 2016
Monaghan midfielder Dick Clerkin announced his retirement in an Irish Examiner column today, with Cavanagh sending good wishes to his “nemesis of 16 years”.
End of the road! 😥🔵⚪️❤️ pic.twitter.com/lvwBFdxeQT
— Dick Clerkin (@dickclerkin8) November 1, 2016
My nemisis of 16 years @dickclerkin8 calls it a day. Fought tooth & nail for every ball. A True Gael & personality. Total respect.
— Sean Cavanagh (@SeanCavanagh14) November 1, 2016
Clerkin’s retirement means that no player who started their career in the nineties will play at inter-county level next year.
Cavanagh, who made his senior debut in 2002, ranks among the longest serving footballers still in the game.
