Mayo’s Rob Hennelly retires from inter-county football

BREAFFY native Rob Hennelly has announced his retirement from the Mayo senior football team. 

Hennelly made 43 league and 32 championship appearances for Mayo since his senior intercounty debut in 2009, playing in three All-Ireland finals. 

The 34-year-old was part of the Mayo Minor team that reached the 2008 All-Ireland final. He later won seven Connacht senior football titles with Mayo, as well as two league titles (2019 and 2023) and two All-Star awards nominations (2013 and 2021). He scored scored 0-38 for Mayo. 

He has been based in Dublin for a number of years, where he has played club football with Raheny while working as Head of Commercial Enablement at CarTrawler.

Hennelly joins several other members of the Mayo panel who have stepped away from the panel ahead of the 2025 season, including Cillian O’Connor, Michael Plunkett, James Carr, Padraig O’Hora and Conor McStay. He saw limited game time in 2024, with Knockmore’s Colm Reape often the preferred first-choice goalkeeper. 

“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,” Hennelly said in a statement released through Mayo GAA.

“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.”

He thanked his native club Breaffy for supporting him and standing by him when he switched clubs to Raheny. 

Hennelly also thanked the Mayo supporters, saying: “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.

He also thanked all his teammates from the past 16 seasons, giving special mention to fellow Breaffy man, Aidan O’Shea. 

“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,” Hennelly said. 

“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.”

He concluded by thanking his wife Orla, and his parents, siblings, 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.”

Mayo manager, Kevin McStay, wished Hennelly well and thanked him for his ‘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,” said McStay. 

Mayo GAA Chairman Séamus Tuohy, also extended his thanks to Hennelly, describing him as ‘an outstanding talent’ who showed ‘unwavering commitment’ to Mayo.