Mayo GAA forward Cillian O’Connor has informed the Mayo senior football management team of his decision to retire from inter-county football.
The Ballintubber clubman made his Mayo debut in 2011 and went on to make 129 appearances for his county, including 75 Championship appearances. His distinguished career concluded in July 2026 with the ultimate achievement of helping Mayo capture the Sam Maguire Cup and claim the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.
Cillian leaves the inter-county game as the all-time leading scorer in the history of the championship, a record that underlines his extraordinary consistency and longevity at the highest level. During his Mayo career, Cillian won one All-Ireland title, seven Connacht titles and two National League titles, while his individual achievements included two All-Star awards and two Young Player of the Year awards.
Mayo GAA wishes to acknowledge and pay tribute to Cillian following the announcement of his retirement from inter-county football.
For over a decade and a half, Cillian has been an outstanding servant of Mayo football. From his early days with the county underage teams, through his remarkable senior career, he has represented Mayo with distinction, pride and an unwavering commitment to the jersey.
We thank Cillian for his exceptional service and dedication to the county and wish him, his wife Hannah, their families and all those close to him every happiness and success in the next chapter of his life.
Statement from Cillian O’Connor: “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.
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.”
Statement from Mayo GAA Manager Andy Moran, “It has been a privilege for me to have experienced Cillian’s Mayo career from two very different perspectives. First as a teammate and, in recent years, as his manager.
Cillian leaves the inter-county game having made an extraordinary contribution to Mayo football. His scoring record speaks for itself, but those of us who shared a dressing room with him know that his influence went far beyond the points and goals he scored.
His preparation, standards and commitment to the Mayo jersey were exceptional. For well over a decade, he carried enormous responsibility for this team and consistently delivered on the biggest days.
I am particularly grateful for the role Cillian played in 2026. His opportunities on the field were more limited than he had been accustomed to throughout his career, but his importance to the group never diminished. He led quietly, advised younger players and supported the management and his teammates throughout the year. He put the needs of the team ahead of his own.
I am delighted that after everything Cillian gave to Mayo football, he leaves the inter-county game as an All-Ireland champion.
On behalf of the management team and the entire playing group, I want to thank Cillian for everything he has given to Mayo. I also want to acknowledge his family, who have shared the sacrifices and demands that come with such a long inter-county career.
Cillian leaves an incredible legacy in the green and red, and he can be immensely proud of the jersey he leaves behind for the next generation.
Thank you, Cillian, and congratulations on an outstanding Mayo career.”
