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Walking Away

Only one playing link left to 2008 All-Ireland winning side as Tyrone's McMahon retires

Justin McMahon was full-back for the Tyrone winning team in 2008.

Updated at 20:15

Justin McMahon watched by Declan O'Sullivan and Byran Sheehan Justin McMahon in action against Kerry in the 2008 All-Ireland final. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

JUSTIN MCMAHON HAS called time on his Tyrone inter-county career, leaving Colm Cavanagh as the last remaining playing link to the county’s 2008 All-Ireland winning side.

McMahon was full-back on that Tyrone side in 2008 and his retirement means Cavanagh, who came on as a sub in that final win over Kerry, is the last player still involved who featured in that game.

The Omagh St Enda’s club man has followed into retirement his brother Joe, who called it a day in May, and Sean Cavanagh, who hung up his inter-county boots after last month’s loss to Dublin.

McMahon made his last appearance for Tyrone when brought on as a substitute in the comprehensive win over Armagh at the All-Ireland quarter-final stage in early August.

Tyrone’s season subsequently ended at the semi-final stage against Dublin and McMahon has informed Mickey Harte, re-appointed last night for a new three-year term as manager of the Red Hands, of his decision to depart.

Justin McMahon Justin McMahon after Tyrone's quarter-final win over Armagh. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

McMahon made his senior inter-county debut in the league against Fermanagh in 2007 after previously winning an Ulster minor medal in 2003 and U21 success in 2006 with Tyrone.

He won the first of his five Ulster senior medals in 2007 before claiming an All-Ireland medal in 2008 and an All-Star award.

Justin McMahon and Nickey Brennan 17/10/2008 Justin McMahon receives his 2008 All-Star from GAA President Nickey Brennan.

The same year McMahon travelled to Australia as part of the Ireland International Rules and in total made 110 appearances for Tyrone, with 40 of those in championship.

He will continue playing club football for Omagh St-Enda’s, county senior champions and beaten Ulster finalists in 2014.

Sean Cavanagh, Joseph and Justin McMahon and Enda McGinley Justin McMahon celebrating the 2008 International Rules victory with Sean Cavanagh, Joe McMahon and Enda McGinley.

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