EXCLUSIVE - Mayo LGFA star steps away after stellar career

SHE made her debut for the Mayo senior team in Croke Park against Kerry in the 2008 All-Ireland quarter-final and Kathryn Sullivan has today announced her retirement from inter-county football. The Castlebar Mitchels woman steps away from the Green and Red after a long and proud inter-county career during which she captained Mayo to the 2023 Connacht senior title, was a two-time All-Star nominee and became a hugely respected figure in the game.

Sullivan didn't take the decision easily, but with the new season almost within reach she has decided to bring the curtain down on a journey that brought joy and pride in equal measure.

“It's not easy. Playing for Mayo was my dream and I'm blessed that I got the chance to do it so often. I've been there a long time, but I got as much pride from wearing the Green and Red in my last game as I did in my first against Kerry all those years ago. It was always about the jersey, it was always about Mayo. I met great people along the way, but nothing comes close to wearing the Mayo jersey,” she told The Mayo News.

Sullivan was part of the Mayo team that retained their senior status with victory over Leitrim in a relegation play-off a few months ago. Liam McHale was the manager that day, the sixth bainisteoir Sullivan played for during her Mayo career. Now, with Diane O'Hora in charge and a new campaign about to get underway, Sullivan felt it was time to move aside.

“I want to wish the players every success. They know how privileged they are to play for Mayo and I know they'll do so with great pride. Liam was my last manager and Dani (Danielle Caldwell) my last captain and we battled hard to stay in the senior championship.

“Making the decision to move on hasn't been easy, but I've been blessed to have the support of so many people along the way, my mother (Mary) has lived the dream with me. She kicked every ball, even though she'd have her hands over her eyes with nerves half the time. My aunts were always there too and my brother Gavin was my biggest critic in a constructive way. Of course my uncle Henry (Gavin) was always there too and my boss Andy (Moran) has been brilliant. He was so accommodating with me fitting in shifts around training times and games. I will be forever grateful to him for all the help and advice he offered me down the years in football and life in general. There are so many people who helped me along the way, I could be here all day thanking them.”

Sullivan has had a long and impressive career with Mayo and also managed to fit in a stint in New York where she won two club titles with Na Fianna and was named New York Player of the Year in 2012. She also lined out with New York in the World Games in Dublin the same season.

Kathryn may have ended her days with Mayo but intends to play on in the red and yellow of Castlebar Mitchels where she has won two county intermediate titles.

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