Kevin McLoughlin calls time on Mayo career

VETERAN Mayo attacker Kevin McLoughlin has announced his retirement from intercounty football. 

In a statement issued through Mayo GAA this afternoon, the Knockmore clubman called time on his Mayo career, which began as a Mayo Minor in 2006 and ended with a substitute appearance in this year’s All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Dublin.

The four-time All-Star nominee won two National League titles (2019 and 2023) eight Connacht senior titles (2009, 2011-2015, 2020, 2021) and two Connacht Under-21 titles (2008 and 2009), during his intercounty career.

He was also capped three times for Ireland in the International Rules and represented Connacht on their way to winning the Interprovincial Series in 2014.

The 34-year-old played for the Mayo Minors for two years following three seasons as member of the Mayo Under-21 panel.

He made his senior intercounty debut on March 8, 2009, against Westmeath in the National Football League at Fr O’Hara Memorial Park, Charlestown, followed by his championship debut on May 19 against New York in Gaelic Park.

In all, he played 91 National Football League games for Mayo, scoring 5-105, and had 77 championship appearances with a scoring contribution of 6-71, bringing his career total of to 11-176 in 168 appearances.

He is currently ninth in the all-time Mayo scorers list and has the third-highest number of Mayo appearances behind Andy Moran and Aidan O'Shea.

In a statement, McLoughlin said it had been ‘a privilege’ to represent Mayo and began by thanking his managers and ‘amazing’ teammates.

“The camaraderie and tightness of the group is something special. It has been a privilege to fight alongside all of them. I will miss the craic we shared and the battles we fought together,” he said, before thanking Knockmore GAA Club and his employer Rice College for their support.

“To my parents Kevin and Margaret, and my entire family, thank you for the sacrifices and guidance throughout my career,” he added.

“To my incredible wife, Deirdre, our children Saorla, Odhran and Cadhla - Deirdre, in particular, made many sacrifices throughout my career. Without her unwavering support I would not have played for Mayo as long as I did - I am forever grateful.

“Thank you to the amazing Mayo supporters. Your enduring support has made representing Mayo truly special. Whether it was MacHale Park or Croke Park those loud passionate roars are something I will always remember. I wish the team every success in 2024 and beyond. I look forward to cheering them on from the stands.”

Mayo manager Kevin McStay paid tribute to McLoughlin, who he said had given ‘sterling service’ and ‘outstanding commitment’ to Mayo.

“He was an important part of my first season in charge and the reason we sought him out to commit once more was a straightforward one: we knew when we asked Kevin to do a job, we could trust him to execute that role to the very best of his ability,” said McStay.

“He will be missed but the memories will last. As I said previously about other retirees from Mayo's decade of excellence, we who remain behind are indeed better players and people for having played with and known Kevin McLoughlin”

Mayo GAA Chairman Seamus Touhy also thanked McLoughlin for his exploits and extended his best wishes to him and his family.

“Kevin has been an exceptional player representing his club Knockmore GAA and county at all levels throughout his 15-year career,” said Touhy.

“His commitment to Mayo GAA never wavered and his displays were always at the highest level, played with the height of respect for his teammates, management, county board and supporters.”

We will have further reaction to Kevin McLoughlin’s retirement in Tuesday’s print edition of The Mayo News.