Chrissy McKaigue calls time on his Derry career

Derry footballer Chrissy McKaigue has announced his retirement from inter-county Gaelic football.

The Slaughtneil man made his championship debut in 2008 against Monaghan, with the player featuring in a total of 149 senior appearances for his county.

The 35-year-old managed to lift the Ulster Championship twice, in 2022 and 2023, while also being part of the squad that won the National League Division One title last season. 

The former Derry captain confirmed to RTE Sport that he would not be part of Paddy Tally’s set-up next season, having spoken to the county’s new manager last week.

McKaigue will continue to play for his club in both hurling and football, with the hopes of winning his fifth Ulster Senior Hurling Club Championship this season when the club face off against Portaferry on December 1 to add to his illustrious collection of club honours.

Among that list are three Ulster Club Football Championships and 16 county titles—11 in hurling and five in football.

The 2022 All-Star said: “The time is right.

“I have been thinking about it for some time. I spoke to Paddy, echoed my feelings to him early so we both could move forward in our respective future endeavours and I just wanted to have everything straight from the start of the new regime, with no uncertainty and no speculation over the winter.

“It's mid-November, and coming out with this decision now with this certainty allows the team and management to move forward.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Derry GAA said: “As a former Derry senior captain and an All-Star recipient in 2022, Chrissy leaves a legacy etched in determination, leadership, and excellence.

“Throughout his career—149 senior appearances—Christy was more than just a player.  His leadership both on and off the pitch guided Derry through some of its most defining moments in recent years, reestablishing the county as a force to be reckoned with in Gaelic football.

“Chrissy's passion for Derry GAA was evident in every match, every tackle, and every rallying cry to his team. His All-Star recognition in 2022 was a fitting testament to his skill, work ethic, and commitment, but his contributions went far beyond individual accolades. Chrissy embodied what it means to play for your county - with pride, loyalty, and unwavering belief.

“While his chapter as a player closes, there is no doubt that Chrissy McKaigue’s impact on Gaelic games in Derry is far from over. His leadership, vision, and dedication ensure he will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport in the county, inspiring generations to come.

“Thank you, Chrissy, for your remarkable service to Derry football. You retire as a Derry great, and your influence will continue to shine brightly in the years ahead.”