Mayo's Kathryn Sullivan retires from inter-county football

Sullivan made her debut in 2008 and went on to captain the Mayo side which won the 2023 Connacht title.

RETIREMENT: Mayo defender Kathryn Sullivan has retired from intercounty football after a stellar 17 year career in the green and red. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Mayo defender Kathryn Sullivan has retired from intercounty football after a stellar 17 year career in the green and red.

Sullivan, known as Sulli, made her debut for Mayo against Kerry in the 2008 All-Ireland quarter-final and went on to become an integral part of the team.

Sullivan was a leader in the side and she captained Mayo to the 2023 Connacht senior title and was a two-time All-Star nominee.

Speaking to the Mayo News, Sullivan said it was not an easy decision to come to but that with the new season almost here it was time to hang up her intercounty boots.

“It's not easy. Playing for Mayo was my dream and I'm blessed that I got the chance to do it so often" Sullivan told the Mayo News. 

"I've been there a long time, but I got as much pride from wearing the Green and Red in my last game as I did in my first against Kerry all those years ago. It was always about the jersey, it was always about Mayo. I met great people along the way, but nothing comes close to wearing the Mayo jersey.”

Mayo retained their senior status with a win over Leitrim in the relegation play-off with Liam McHale at the helm. He was the sixth manager to coach Sullivan during her career and with new manager Diane O'Hora taking charge Sullivan felt the time was right to move on.

“I want to wish the players every success. They know how privileged they are to play for Mayo and I know they'll do so with great pride. Liam was my last manager and Dani (Danielle Caldwell) my last captain and we battled hard to stay in the senior championship.

“Making the decision to move on hasn't been easy, but I've been blessed to have the support of so many people along the way, my mother (Mary) has lived the dream with me. She kicked every ball, even though she'd have her hands over her eyes with nerves half the time. 

"My aunts were always there too and my brother Gavin was my biggest critic in a constructive way. Of course my uncle Henry (Gavin) was always there too and my boss Andy (Moran) has been brilliant. He was so accommodating with me fitting in shifts around training times and games. I will be forever grateful to him for all the help and advice he offered me down the years in football and life in general. There are so many people who helped me along the way, I could be here all day thanking them.”

Mayo LGFA have paid tribute to Sullivan taking to social media to thank the Castlebar Mitchels player for everything that she gave to the green and red jersey. 

"We’re more than a little bit heartbroken today.

"Kathryn “Sulli” Sullivan is an icon of Mayo LGFA, a player who gave everything she had, every single time she pulled on the green and red. Across seasons, setbacks, victories and battles, Sulli brought absolute commitment to her county.

"She gave so much to Mayo both on and off the field, leading, mentoring, setting standards and showing what it truly means to play for the jersey. When the pressure was highest, she stood tallest. When Mayo needed courage, heart and relentless drive, Sulli delivered.

"Some players are remembered for moments and my God did she give us moments, but Sulli will be remembered for who she was every day, kind to a fault, generous, relentless, fearless, selfless and so deeply proud to represent Mayo.

"Kathryn Sullivan’s leadership, commitment and character have left a lasting legacy. Her impact on and off the pitch will be felt for many years to come.

"Thank you Sulli. Mayo LGFA is better because of you, and always will be."

Sullivan will continue to play club football with Castlebar Mitchels whom she has won two county intermediate titles with.