Goalkeeper Devine calls time on Tyrone career

John Devine, Tyrone's three-time All-Ireland winning goalkeeper, has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

Devine, 29, was an ever-present member of the Red Hands' squad since making his debut in 2002.

The following year, under Mickey Harte, Devine won the first of three Celtic Crosses, although in 2005 and 2008 the Errigal Ciarán man was back-up to Pascal McConnell.

This season, Devine, who also won an All-Ireland minor title in 2001, has fallen further down the pecking order with the emergence of Niall Morgan, who has been first-choice in the Allianz League.

A statement released by the Tyrone County Board said Devine had made his decision "after consultation with the Tyrone senior management".

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte paid tribute to Devine, who will continue to play club football with Errigal Ciarán.

"As well as being a top goalkeeper, John is a great person," Harte said. "He has had a tremendous presence within the squad and his influence will be missed. John was a vital part of all our All-Ireland successes and I wish him the best for the future as he continues his club career."

Amongst those to pay tribute to Devine on Twitter last night was former team-mate Brian McGuigan.