McEntee twins bring end to Cross careers

THE twin McEntees, two of the most decorated footballers in the history of Armagh football, have confirmed that they are hanging up their boots for good.

The revelation that John and Tony will not line out for Crossmaglen next year marks the end of an era in Armagh football.

News of their retirement follows Crossmaglen's defeat to Pearse Og in the Armagh championship. Rather remarkably, it's only the second defeat the McEntees ever experienced during their 14 years of competing in the county championship.

After losing to Mullaghbawn in 1995, the 32-year-old brothers played key roles in the Cross side that went on to equal Ballina's record of 13 consecutive county titles. They also won six Ulster club championships and four All-Irelands.

John McEntee told The Irish News that the recent defeat to Pearse Og played no role in the twins' decision to retire.

"We said at the start of the year that we were going to see out the year and then that was going to be it," he said.