New Mayo manager Andy Moran hopeful Cillian O’Connor will return for 2026

“If that guy is 18 years of age or 32, 33 years of age. It shouldn’t matter now. We are trying to get the best players playing."

Thu, 14 Aug, 2025 - 22:03

Maurice Brosnan

New Mayo manager Andy Moran is ‘hopeful’ that two-time All-Star Cillian O’Connor will return to the senior team for the 2026 season.

On Thursday night, Moran was ratified at a County Board meeting in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park. Speaking at his first press conference, the Mayo boss said the door was open to players who departed recently.

“Can we get the best 36 fellas in the county on the panel playing for Mayo? Get the best team out there, put our best foot forward,” he said.

“If that guy is 18 years of age or 32, 33 years of age. It shouldn’t matter now. We are trying to get the best players playing.

“Yes, we will be looking at the older guys that opted out. Of course, them conversations will be happening and some have happened. The key thing for us is looking at the younger guys coming through. How are we going to really push this in terms of the Hurleys, these guys. How are we going to get them through onto the squad playing for Mayo?”

When asked if O’Connor had indicated he was open to a return, Moran was positive.

“Yes. I’d be very hopeful that he will come back.”

The all-time championship top scorer decided to step away for the 2025 campaign. It would mark a significant boost for the new Mayo boss, who takes over from Kevin McStay.

O’Connor surpassed Colm Cooper in 2019 to become the highest scoring player in the championship and also holds the record for a single championship game, scoring 4-9 in the 2020 All-Ireland semi-final against Tipperary.

The Ballaghaderreen man is joined on the ticket by former Mayo player Colm Boyle and Paddy Tally.

“Will I add another to it? Possibly,” he said.

“But at the minute, I am quite happy where I am sitting.”