Mayo goalkeeper Rob Hennelly announces retirement from intercounty football

The Breaffy man, who now plays his club football with Raheny, won seven Connacht SFC titles and two Division 1 titles as well as twice being nominated for an All-Star nominee in 2013 and ’21 when he kicked the 45 that forced extra-time in Mayo’s All-Ireland semi-final win over Dublin.

Hennelly made his championship debut in 2011 and his final appearance came against Tyrone in a Division 1 game in Omagh last February. He recovered to impress for Mayo after a difficult 2016 All-Ireland final replay defeat to Dublin when he fumbled a ball and committed a black card foul on Paddy Andrews for a penalty that Diarmuid Connolly converted.

Confirming his decision, a self-deprecating Hennelly said: “I am privileged to have been involved with the Mayo senior team since 2009 and to have played at the highest level for as long as I have.

“However, now feels like the right time for me to retire from inter-county football (although I’m sure many thought I already had!) I tried to give it a go again this year, but life moves fast as they say – and I'm grateful to be leaving on my own terms and with so much to look forward to in 2025 and beyond.

“Firstly, I want to say a huge thank you to Breaffy GAA for supporting me throughout my development and standing by me every part of the journey, including my decision to step away last year. On that note, I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Raheny GAA for taking me in and making me feel so at home.

“To Mayo GAA and the Mayo supporters, thank you for everything. We’ve shared many highs and lows, and while I’d be lying if I said I have no regrets, I’m proud that we never gave up chasing the dream. I’m also grateful for each management and coaching team I got to play under, and, in particular, want to remember John O’Mahony who gave me my first taste of senior football. May he Rest in Peace.” Giving special thanks to his Breaffy club-mate Aidan O’Shea, Hennelly continued: “Thank you to every team-mate I’ve had the privilege of togging out with over the past 16 seasons. It’s been an honour to play alongside you all and, more importantly, to get to know you as people. I want to give a special mention to Aidan – we started a journey together with both club and county and unfortunately, we won't finish it together, but you’ve always been an inspiration to me and so many others. I’m so glad you're there to continue to lead this team and battle on.

“To the current Mayo team, while I’m sad to leave, I’m so excited to see where you go this year. I know the characters, culture, and environment in this group will drive Mayo football to where it belongs.

“I also want to acknowledge every goalkeeper I’ve had the good fortune of playing with and against at county level. I have huge respect for anyone who takes on this role, whether as first, second, or third choice, and I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned from playing with and against some of the best goalkeepers of all time.

“Finally, and most importantly, I want to thank my incredible family – my wife Orla, my parents, my brother and sisters, extended family, and in-laws. Your love and support carried me through the tough days but having you there to share the good ones are memories I’ll cherish forever. Rob x” Mayo manager Kevin McStay paid tribute to Hennelly: “Rob Hennelly has given outstanding service to Mayo football. He developed his game right throughout his career and, as manager for the last two seasons, I saw up close how much he dedicated himself to improving his craft.

“We are very sorry to see him go. He loved being around the squad and he was hugely popular with everyone. I know how difficult this decision has been for Rob, but I understand and respect it. I wish Rob and his wife Orla well in the future.”