Cathal McShane made his return to inter-county football with a massive reception from supporters at Healy Park on Saturday.
The Owen Roe O'Neill's clubman came on in the 12th minute of the second half of Tyrone's eight-point win over Cavan in the Ulster Senior Football Championship quarter-final.
1-18 to 0-13 was the final score in Omagh and speaking to OTB Sports at full-time, he said it was great to get their first win on the board.
"It's just good to be back playing, a good win there. That's what it was all about today, just getting over the line.
"We've had a mixed league campaign so just get over the line today and hopefully the season takes off."
McShane, who was the 2019 championship top scorer hadn't featured for the county since February 2020 before today due to injury.
He said it was great to get back on the pitch after a tough journey.
"It's been a crazy few days, finding out you're in the panel and involved. It's been a long, long road with many ups and downs.
"[There were] many dark days and days wondering would you ever be pulling on the Tyrone jersey again.
"You just have to stick to it, stick to the process and that's what I done.
"I'm very proud of myself to have come on here today and make an impact.
"The boys have backed me all the way, I've had so much good support.
"I believe it's 503 days since my game, it's just so good to be back out there playing and pulling on the jersey for Tyrone."
Watch the Full-Time Highlights of Tyrone v Cavan in the Ulster Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final here!
Full-Time Score:
Tyrone 1-18
Cavan 0-13#GAANOW pic.twitter.com/tw73ZY3MDj— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 10, 2021
McShane kicked three points in the impressive win which knocked Cavan out and saw their reign as Ulster champions come to an end.
The Red Hand will now face the winner of Donegal and Derry in their last four clash as they look to get back into the Ulster final.
McShane was delighted to play a part in the victory and is hoping they can kick-on from it.
"You're just trying to help the team coming on, if it's a matter of setting up or scoring, you're just trying to help the team.
"That's what it was all about today - getting back in, getting minutes, building on the minutes now and making this year a success."
