'Congratulations on an outstanding Mayo career': Andy Moran pays tribute to Cillian O'Connor following retirement

END OF THE JOURNEY: Cillian O'Connor of Mayo in the warm-up before dthe Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Kerry and Mayo at Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Kerry. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Cillian O'Connor has confirmed his retirement from inter-county football, bringing an end to a prolific 15 years with the Mayo seniors.

The 34-year-old Ballintubber forward was part of Mayo's All-Ireland winning panel this year as the county ended its 75-year wait to claim Sam Maguire.

In a  wide-ranging exclusive interview with the Irish Examiner's Maurice Brosnan, O'Connor reflects his decision to retire, the years of heartbreaking near misses and Mayo finally making their breakthrough.

O'Connor said the triumph against Kerry closed the circle on an important part of his life and that it gives reason for optimism to others chasing a long-held goal.

O'Connor played in six All-Ireland SFC finals, including the replay in 2016, scoring a famous equalising point in the drawn decider against Dublin a decade ago. He missed the 2021 final against Tyrone due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. O'Connor retires as the football championship's all-time top scorer.

He also won back to back young footballer of the year awards in 2011 and 2012, All-Star awards in 2014 and 2020, seven Connacht titles and two National Leagues.

In a statement released on their official website on Wednesday night Mayo senior football 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.”

Mayo GAA added, "We thank Cillian for his exceptional service and dedication to the county and wish him, his wife Hannah, their families and all those close to him every happiness and success in the next chapter of his life."