Rob Hennelly has announced his retirement from inter county football, 13 years after making his Mayo debut.
The Breaffy native made 43 league and 32 championship appearances for Mayo, playing in three All Ireland finals and winning seven Connacht titles (2009, 2011, 2013-2015, 2020, 2021) as well as two Allianz League crowns (2019 & 2023).
Hennelly scored 0-38 in the Mayo jersey, and will continue to play his club football with Raheny in Dublin.
Following Connacht titles at minor (2008) and u21 (2009), he made his Mayo senior debut in the Allianz League in 2011 at MacHale park against Kerry.
His final Mayo appearance came in the most recent league campaign, against Tyrone in Omagh back in February.
Mayo GAA have noted and paid tribute to the fact that Rob was based in Dublin for the majority of his Mayo career and made hundreds of trips westwards for training sessions and matches, showing his amazing level of commitment to his craft and the green and red.
Colm Reape will have new competition no doubt in the Mayo net this year, with Rory Byrne indicating that he has opted out for 2025, as well as championship top scorer Cillian O’Connor, as well as Padraig O’Hara, James Carr and Michael Plunkett.
Hennelly released the following statement himself as part of the Mayo GAA press release:
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 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 – 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.
Rob x
From Mayo GAA Chairperson Seamus Tuohy:
I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Rob for his great dedication, outstanding talent, and unwavering commitment throughout his long inter-county career, since he first wore the Mayo jersey at minor level. He exemplified excellence, dedication, and leadership on and off the field. His contributions to Breaffy and Mayo football have been immense. We thank him for everything and wish him and his family the very best in the future.
From Mayo manager Kevin McStay:
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. 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.
