Stalwart of Mayo GAA calls time on inter-county career
Mayo goalkeeper Rob Hennelly has announced his inter-county retirement. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
It has been announced that veteran Mayo senior football goalkeeper Rob Hennelly is hanging up his inter-county boots.
The Breaffy native, now 34, departs Kevin McStay's squad after a significant inter-county career - making his senior debut in 2011 and playing over 70 competitive games since then.
The Raheny shot-stopper won seven Connacht SFC titles and two Allianz Leagues during his time with Mayo, while also being nominated twice for an All-Star award.
His final Mayo appearance came against Tyrone in the league last February.
Rob Hennelly has today announced his retirement from Inter County football after 13 seasons with the Mayo senior squad. Mayo GAA would like to thank Rob for his commitment over the last number of years at underage and senior level. We wish him the best in the future.
— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) December 16, 2024
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Speaking about his decision to retire from inter-county football, Hennelly told Mayo GAA's website:
"I am privileged to have been involved with the Mayo senior team since 2009 and to have played at the highest level for as long as I have. However, now feels like the right time for me to retire from inter-county football (although I’m sure many thought I already had!) I tried to give it a go again this year, but life moves fast as they say – and I’m grateful to be leaving on my own terms and with so much to look forward to in 2025 and beyond.
"Firstly, I want to say a huge thank you to Breaffy GAA for supporting me throughout my development and standing by me every part of the journey, including my decision to step away last year. On that note, I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Raheny GAA for taking me in and making me feel so at home.
"To Mayo GAA and the Mayo supporters, thank you for everything. We’ve shared many highs and lows, and while I’d be lying if I said I have no regrets, I’m proud that we never gave up chasing the dream. I’m also grateful for each management and coaching team I got to play under, and, in particular, want to remember John O’Mahony who gave me my first taste of senior football. May he Rest in Peace.
"Thank you to every teammate I’ve had the privilege of togging out with over the past 16 seasons. It’s been an honour to play alongside you all and, more importantly, to get to know you as people. I want to give a special mention to Aidan – we started a journey together with both club and county and unfortunately, we won’t finish it together, but you’ve always been an inspiration to me and so many others. I’m so glad you’re there to continue to lead this team and battle on.
"To the current Mayo team, while I’m sad to leave, I’m so excited to see where you go this year. I know the characters, culture, and environment in this group will drive Mayo football to where it belongs.
"I also want to acknowledge every goalkeeper I’ve had the good fortune of playing with and against at county level. I have huge respect for anyone who takes on this role, whether as first, second, or third choice, and I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned from playing with and against some of the best goalkeepers of all time.
"Finally, and most importantly, I want to thank my incredible family – my wife Orla, my parents, my brother and sisters, extended family, and in-laws. Your love and support carried me through the tough days but having you there to share the good ones are memories I’ll cherish forever."
