McCloskey did not play representative rugby while at Bangor Grammar and was not offered a place in the Ulster Rugby Academy after leaving school.
Instead, he caught the eye playing for Dungannon in the All-Ireland League before belatedly joining the professional set-up.
“There’s been hard work and all that, but a lot of luck,” he said of the key to his longevity in the side.
“A few injuries went my way at the start for me to get in there, then a few coaches liked me and gave me good chances.
“Thankfully I took a lot of those and I haven’t been injured an awful lot over the years. That’s kept me in and about it.”
Given his form, consistency and durability, McCloskey has drawn plenty of interest from elsewhere over the years and was heavily linked with a move to France last season.
Ultimately, he cites his love for both the province and the city of Belfast as his reason for recently extending his stay with the side until 2027.
While he picks the URC quarter-final victory over Munster in 2022 as a highlight of his 199 caps so far, to win silverware with Ulster remains an ambition.
“I love all the lads, I’ve enjoyed my 12 years here,” he said.
“I like what we’re trying to build, I like some of the young guys coming through.
“Hopefully I’ll hold on to their coattails in a couple of years’ time when they’re coming into the form of their careers and looking to win something.”
