Mayo great Cillian O'Connor announces his retirement from inter-county football

Mayo great Cillian O’Connor has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

The 34-year-old ends his Mayo career as the highest all-time scorer in the championship, and the one achievement that looked to escape him was an All-Ireland title, until that unforgettable day in Croke Park in July. 

In his time with Mayo, O’Connor won seven Connacht titles, two national leagues, two All-Stars, and finished his time with Mayo with Sam Maguire in July.

The Ballintubber man became a crucial part of Mayo’s attack once he entered the team at just the age of 19 under then manager James Horan.

The sharpshooter was part of Mayo sides that were defeated in the 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2017 finals.

O’Connor became the highest all-time scorer in championship history in 2019, surpassing Colm Cooper in the process.

2020 saw O’Connor break the scoring record for a single championship game with four goals and nine points in the 2020 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final win over Tipperary.

Injuries saw his playing time disrupted in the years that followed, and he stepped away in 2025.

However, he returned in 2026, and while injuries limited him to just two appearances, he finally got his hands on Sam Maguire.

He first announced his retirement in an interview with the Irish Examiner with Maurice Brosnan.

In a statement on social media, O’Connor said: 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.”

Mayo Manager Andy Moran said, “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.”