Kevin McLoughlin Announces His Retirement

  • Aug 26,2023
Press Release www.mayogaa.com

After a remarkable 15-year career, Mayo's Kevin McLoughlin  has announced his retirement from senior intercounty football. Kevin, who has earned nationwide respect for his displays for Mayo, will continue to don the jersey of his club Knockmore GAA in the Mayo senior club championship.
Kevin's intercounty career commenced in 2006, the first of his two years as a member of the Mayo minor team, followed by a three-year stint as a Mayo U21 player. He made his debut on the 8th March 2009 against Westmeath in the National Football League at Fr O'Hara Memorial Park, Charlestown and followed it up with his championship debut on the 19th May against New Year in Gaelic Park.
In all, he played 91 NFL games for Mayo, scoring 5-105, and had 77 championship appearances with a scoring contribution of 6-71, thus his total of 168 appearances featured a scoring return of 11-176 putting him ninth in the all-time Mayo scorers list. Kevin lies third in the all-time Mayo appearance list, just behind Andy Moran and Aidan O'Shea.


Kevin's swansong in the county jersey took place earlier this summer when he came on as a substitute against Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter final at Croke Park.
His accomplishments include:
  • Two National League titles -2019 and 2023;
  • Eight Connacht senior titles - 2009, 2011-2015, 2020, 2021- a joint record Mayo alongside Aidan O'Shea;
  • Two Connacht U21 titles - 2008 and 2009;
  • Interprovincial Series win (Connacht) - 2014
  • International Rules V Australia- three caps in 2013 and 2014 series
  • Two Mayo SFC titles (Knockmore) - 2020 and 2021; 
  • Four All-star nominations - 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2020;
Kevin's speed, agility, match intelligence and selflessness ensured he earned the respect of colleagues, opponents and supporters. His on-field awareness, allied to his broad range of passing skills, enabled him to unlock numerous defences. Colleagues appreciated his capacity to create openings with the deftest and most perceptive of touches. His spellbinding goal versus Cork in the 2011 All-Ireland quarter final was a landmark moment in a year when Mayo embarked on a run that would see the county compete for the highest honours almost annually for over a decade. Kevin was a central figure in virtually all of those big days and was rightly held in the highest regard by Mayo supporters.

Statement form Kevin McLoughlin:
"Over the past 15 years, it has been a privilege to represent Mayo. I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has been part of this journey. I thank all the managers who guided me throughout my Mayo career. I am lucky to have played with amazing team-mates.
"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.
"I am grateful to Knockmore GAA Club for all they did to develop me as a footballer, particularly in my early years. 
"My employers, Rice College, Westport, have been ever supportive over the last number of years which enabled me to continue playing at the highest level.
"To my parents Kevin and Margaret, and my entire family, thank you for the sacrifices and guidance throughout my career. 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.

Statement from Mayo GAA Chairperson Seamus Tuohy:
On behalf of Mayo GAA, I would like to sincerely thank Kevin for his outstanding commitment and service to Mayo GAA. Kevin has been an exceptional player representing his club Knockmore GAA and county at all levels throughout his 15 year career. 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.
All at Mayo GAA thank Kevin for his contributions to Mayo football throughout the years and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours. Mayo GAA wish Kevin, his wife Deirdre, children Saorla, Odhran, Cadhla and his family the very best and thank them for their huge support and commitment to Mayo GAA.


Statement from Mayo Manager Kevin McStay:

Kevin McLoughlin has given sterling service to Mayo GAA over almost two decades. From his minor days to his final efforts against Dublin in Croke Park in early July, he has represented us with great pride and brought great honour to our jersey.

I want to thank him for the outstanding commitment, enthusiasm and energy he brought to each season. His significant appearances total in league and championship football, and his scoring exploits, point to a footballer of consistency and excellence.

He was an important part of my first season in charge and the reason we sough 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.

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 player and people for having played with and known Kevin McLoughlin