Mayo great O'Connor calls time on inter-county career
Mayo's Cillian O'Connor lifts the Sam Maguire Cup ©INPHO/James Crombie
Cillian O’Connor has announced his retirement from inter-county football at the age of 34, bringing an extraordinary Mayo career to an end.
The Ballintubber forward leaves the scene as the leading scorer in the history of the All-Ireland senior football championship, having registered 32-364 in 75 championship appearances. He made 129 appearances for Mayo after making his debut in 2011.
O’Connor endured some of the most painful moments in Mayo football history, playing in five All-Ireland finals before finally getting his hands on the Sam Maguire this year.
He scored late equalisers in the 2016 and 2017 finals against Dublin, while his remarkable 4-9 haul against Tipperary in the 2020 semi-final remains the highest individual scoring return in a championship match.
His career also brought two All-Stars, seven Connacht titles, two National League medals and two Young Footballer of the Year awards.
Having stepped away from Mayo for the 2025 season, O’Connor returned under Andy Moran in 2026. Injuries restricted him to two appearances, but he remained part of the panel as Mayo finally ended their 75-year wait for All-Ireland glory.
O’Connor says leaving the inter-county game as an All-Ireland champion makes the decision all the more satisfying.
“I have decided to retire from inter-county football. Representing Mayo GAA has been the greatest honour of my life. To my wife Hannah, my parents Tony and Mary, my family and close friends, thank you for your patience, understanding, and constant support throughout my football career," a statement from O'Connor read.
"I will always be grateful to my club, Ballintubber, and to the coaches, teammates, volunteers, and club members who helped me develop and supported me throughout every season.
"In the dressing room, I feel fortunate to have seen my childhood heroes become teammates and, later, to have watched the youngsters become stars. Thank you all for your commitment and perseverance, and for the friendship, memories and laughs. I also want to thank all the Mayo coaches, managers, backroom teams, and medical staff who believed in me and who I learned so much from over the years.
"To the supporters, at home and abroad, who always stood by the team, thank you for your unwavering support. You were a constant reminder of what a privilege it is to represent this county. I want to thank the Mayo County Board, our late chairman, Seamus Tuohy, who will be sorely missed, and our loyal sponsors. To the players and supporters across the country, I will always cherish the competition, passion, and respect shared throughout the years. Thank you.
"A special thank you to David, Fionnuala and everyone at Monaghan & Sons in Castlebar for your support and friendship over the years, and to my colleagues at Spot Recruitment for your constant encouragement. To Andy and the 2027 Mayo team, the best of luck for the season ahead. Make every moment count.
"Thank you to everyone who has played a part in the journey since October 2010. Straightforward, no. Exhilarating, yes.
"To leave with Mayo as All-Ireland champions is more satisfying than words can say.”
