SLIGO FORWARD EAMONN O’Hara has today announced his retirement from inter-county football after 19 years with the Yeats County.

O’Hara, 37, will continue to line out for his club Tourlestrane, but in a statement through the GPA he says it is the right time to hang up the black jersey.

“While Gaelic football has been and continues to be a massive part of my life,” O’Hara said.

“I believe after nearly two decades wearing the Sligo jersey, the time is right for me to step aside. I do so knowing that I was very privileged to have played for my county, my province and my country.

“To represent your county is an honour but to have been afforded the opportunity to play 19 seasons for Sligo is truly humbling. I have played with and against some of the best footballers ever to have graced a football pitch and I have developed great friendships along the way.”

O’Hara, who will form part of RTE’s punditry team on The Sunday Game this summer said he also hopes to get more involved with the GPA and added that he will organise a testimonial match between Sligo and a rest of Ireland selection later this year in aid of Sligo Hospice.

©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

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