After eight frustrating years of nursing ongoing injuries which have limited his playing time considerably, the 2005 Footballer of the Year Stephen O’Neill has retired from intercounty football.

Of course it’s not the first time the vastly talented Tyrone attacker has retired. After two years of season ruining injuries including a complex knee tendinitis condition, O’Neill initially retired in 2008. Although he would return to the fold in dramatic circumstances, just week’s before that year’s All-Ireland final decider with Kerry.

Appearing as a first-half substitute the 33-year-old helped Tyrone to what would be his third and final All-Ireland medal.

This morning BBC Northern Ireland reported that after months of speculation the three-time All Star has again retired, and so his last ever appearance for Mickey Harte's team came as a second half substitute during their All-Ireland qualifier defeat to Armagh in July. Tyrone County Board reamin unable to confirm this outright given that Mickey Harte is outside of the country and unavailable for comment.

O'Neill joins Carrickmore club man Martin Penrose, who also featured as a second half substitute in that surprise defeat to Armagh, in hanging up his boots.

The four-time Dr McKenna Cup winner retires aged 30 with two All-Ireland medals. Like a number of Tyrone’s “golden generation” Penrose has All-Ireland medals at minor, U21 and senior level.