Mayo goalkeeper Rob Hennelly has retired from intercounty football.
The 34-year-old made his competitive senior debut in 2011 and was a key cog in the Mayo machine for over a decade during which they regularly competed at the business end of the season.
A seven-time Connacht SFC winner, the Breaffy man made 32 championship and 43 league appearances for Mayo. He also won league titles in 2019 and 2023 and was twice nominated for an All Star.
Since 2023 he has played his club football with Raheny in Dublin and Hennelly will continue to line out for the northside outfit in the capital.
“Now feels like the right time for me to retire from intercounty 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,” stated Hennelly.
“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.”
Hennelly’s last appearance for Mayo was February’s league clash against Tyrone in Omagh. A talented goalkeeper, he also proved to be an important dead-ball kicker for his county and scored 0-38 for Mayo.
“Thank you to every teammate I’ve had the privilege of togging out with,” added Hennelly.
“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.”
Colm Reape was the Mayo goalkeeper during this year’s All-Ireland SFC. Hennelly wore the number 16 jersey in Mayo’s last championship game of the 2024 season, a preliminary quarter-final defeat to Derry.
“Rob Hennelly has given outstanding service to Mayo football. He developed his game right throughout his career and, as manager for the last two seasons, I saw up close how much he dedicated himself to improving his craft,” commented Kevin McStay.
“We are very sorry to see him go. He loved being around the squad and he was hugely popular with everyone. I know how difficult this decision has been for Rob, but I understand and respect it. I wish Rob and his wife Orla well in the future.”
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