Defensive maestro Harrison calls it a day
Brendan Harrison has announced his retirement from Mayo after a decade-long spell. Picture: NPHO/Tommy Dickson
Former All-Star and Mayo GAA defender Brendan Harrison has announced his retirement from inter-county football after 67 appearances for his county’s senior team. He informed the county’s senior management of his decision in recent days.
Harrison, who plays his club football for Aghamore, joined the Mayo senior panel in 2013 and was an ever-present in the team for the first half of his decade-long inter-county career. His appearances for his county since 2020 have come far more sporadically, owing to a number of injury setbacks, beginning with a knee injury that year and a cruciate ligament injury in 2022. This meant he was limited to just six league and one championship appearance since 2020.
But in his heyday for Mayo, he was among the first names on the team sheet. Harrison scored just 0-5 from play for Mayo during his playing career but was better known for his prowess in defence. A stylish, old-school defender; Harrison was of the old breed of defender, more comfortable operating within their own 45 keeping the house in order rather than making forays forward.
He enjoyed a good working relationship with Mayo coach Donie Buckley, who helped to refine Harrison’s game as he became one of the best backs in the country, playing in one of the most backlines in GAA history alongside the likes Chris Barrett, Keith Higgins, Colm Boyle and Lee Keegan.
Harrison, in a statement, said that it was an honour to have represented his county but admitted that injuries have been a frustrating factor for him over the last number of years.
“Playing for Mayo was something I always treasured. From the very first day I pulled on the jersey at underage level, I was conscious of the honour it was to wear the green and red. I played alongside brilliant players and under outstanding management teams and I thank each and every one of them for everything they did.”
“I had my problems with injuries over the past five seasons and while that was frustrating, I look back on my time with Mayo with very happy memories. Injuries mean that I cannot continue to train at the required level.
“I thank my club Aghamore and my local community of Kilkelly for their support at all stages and my wife Natasha and my entire family who made many sacrifices so that I could play for Mayo. I look forward to being around for the many milestones ahead for our three young children.”
“I wish Mayo every success in 2024 and beyond and know that the players involved now will continue to represent the county with pride.” Mayo manager Kevin McStay said that Harrison can walk away from intercounty football with his head held high.
“Mayo people will never forget his performances during the 2016-2019 seasons, in particular, including masterful displays in the 2016 and 2017 All-Ireland finals. He was always a beautifully balanced footballer who combined real attacking flair with a penchant for the tighter confines of man marking.”
“Injuries played havoc with his career, alas. We had hoped he would come back in 2024. At 31, he is young enough to continue playing on. Unfortunately, his injuries mean he has to call it a day. It was a pleasure to work with him during 2023 and he was a highly regarded and deeply popular figure in the Mayo panel.”
He made his bow for the Mayo minor team in 2010 and enjoyed a successful campaign alongside future inter-county teammates Cillian O’Connor and Darren Coen. That team won the Connacht Minor title with victory over Galway in MacHale Park but fell short in the All-Ireland semi-final against Tyrone later that Autumn.
Harrison progressed to the U21 ranks and played in both the 2012 and 2013 campaigns but ultimately played little at that level as the team failed to advance in Connacht either year.
He was handed an FBD Connacht League debut for the senior team in the meanwhile under James Horan, making a sub appearance against GMIT in January 2013. 12 months later, he started for the first time for the Green & Red, once more against the Students and scored a point.
A month later, he made his National Football League debut against Kildare, the first of 35 appearances in this competition. His Mayo career was bookended by the Lilywhites, as his last appearance for his county came in March 27 against Kildare in Pairc Seán Mac Diarmada. Harrison went on to become a National Football League winner with Mayo, as part of their triumph over Kerry in 2019, a game in which he started and enjoyed a great tussle with rising Kingdom star David Clifford.
Harrison played 32 games in the Championship for Mayo and was a member of five Connacht-winning football panels with Mayo, winning the Nestor Cup in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2020 and 2021. He played in All-Ireland senior finals in 2016 and 2017 and for his efforts, won an All-Star in 2016 at right corner back. He also secured a nomination in 2017 for an All-Star. He made two appearances for Ireland against Australia in the International Rules Series in 2017.
Of the 2017 team that started the All-Ireland final against Dublin, one of two finals Harrison started, just three remain active for their county: Paddy Durcan, Aidan O’Shea and Cillian O’Connor, as well as Diarmuid O’Connor, Stephen Coen and Conor Loftus, who all came off the bench in that game.
Harrison has also been a dedicated club player, playing senior club football for Aghamore over the last number of years.
Mayo GAA Cathaoirleach Seamus Tuohy thanked Brendan for his unwavering commitment and dedication to Mayo GAA.
“Brendan wore his heart on his sleeve, he was brave, committed and always gave 100%. Brendan was one of those players supporters loved. He was exciting to watch, and he lit up Hastings Insurance MacHale Park and Croke Park on so many occasions. Everyone associated with Mayo GAA would like to wish Brendan well in his retirement,” said Seamus.
