Mayo midfielder Tom Parsons has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

The Charlestown clubman broke on to the scene with Mayo seniors in 2008 as an U21 player and went on to win three Connacht SFC titles and a National League crown.

At U21 level, Parsons won three Connacht titles in 2007, 2008 and as captain in 2009 and would represent his country in the 2008 International rules series.

In 2018, he suffered a serious knee injury which kept him out of action until the following year’s All-Ireland SFC semi-final defeat to Dublin.

The last of his 36 championship appearances for Mayo came in December when James Horan’s men defeated to Tipperary to advance to the All-Ireland SFC final.

The 33-year-old becomes the third Mayo footballer in as many days to call time on his inter-county career following Donal Vaughan and David Clarke.

“Today, it’s time to say good-bye and announce my retirement from Mayo football,” Parsons statement read.

“Since 2008, it has been a privilege to play for Mayo and our amazing Gaelic games. It has been a journey that has filled my life with joy, passion, some-heartache, resilience and meaning. An experience that I’ll cherish forever. 

After 11 season with Mayo Tom Parsons has today announced his inter-county retirement. We thank Tom for outstanding commitment to the Mayo jersey & wish him all the best in the future.https://t.co/45cteDu6MX #mayogaa pic.twitter.com/bmZ4eaECfK

— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) January 5, 2021

“To teammates past & present, it’s been an honour to battle alongside you, your never give-in attitude for our county and the game is infectious – all I can say is Respect. To the GAA community, county boards, coaches, management and backroom teams, thank you for every ounce of support and encouragement along the way, you give so much for the development of others, that’s is what life is all about. 

“I’ll be forever grateful to my club Charlestown Sarsfields’, who inspired & helped me grow as a player from grassroots to the current day and to the GPA for their continued support on and off the pitch. Thanks to my amazing company Jacobs for the support and flexibility to help me play the game I love. 

“To Mum, Dad and family you left no stone unturned to support me on the journey, thank you so much for the constant voice of encouragement in football and in life. 

“Finally, to my wife Carol, for all the support, guidance and care in the best and toughest of times, thank you for sharing in my dream to play for Mayo. Our beautiful boy and I are blessed to have you in our lives. 

“To the resilient people of Mayo, I can still hear your voices ringing in my ears from the stands of McHale Park to Croker, you are what make our games special. It’s been an absolute honour to represent you. 

“Maigh Eo Abu.”

Mayo county board chairman Liam Moffatt thanked Parsons for his outstanding commitment and service to Mayo over the last 12 years.

“On behalf of Mayo GAA I would like to thank Tom for his outstanding commitment and service to Mayo GAA. Tom was an outstanding underage player for his club Charlestown Sarsfields’ and followed these very high standards up when he progressed to inter-county football. It is an absolute testimony to Tom that despite significant injury problems and career related travels his commitment never diminished. 

“His absolute defiance and dogged determination to return to play from his knee injury in 2018 inspired so many and showed to all the character of the man. His off field career achievements and progression to act as Chairpersonship of the GPA further indicates his ability and I have no doubt that Tom will continue to assist the association in the coming years. I would like to offer Tom & his family our very best wishes for the future.”

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