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Mayo veteran Jason Doherty announces inter-county retirement

Doherty played 12 seasons for Mayo
Doherty played 12 seasons for Mayo

Mayo footballer Jason Doherty has announced his retirement from senior intercounty football at the age of 33.

After 12 years on the county panel, the Burrishoole man will continue to line out for his club who compete in the Mayo Intermediate Championship.

Doherty made 62 championship appearances in total for Mayo, scoring 6-49. He made his championship debut against London in May 2011 and marked his 100th overall appearance against Roscommon in the National League in 2019.

Doherty made 70 league appearances in all with Mayo, scoring 11-104 throughout his league stint in the red and green. He made a total of 132 appearances overall and received an All-Star nomination in 2017.

He started in three All-Ireland deciders for Mayo in 2012, 2016 and 2017, coming on as a late substitute in 2013. He was a core part of the Mayo side which won five Connacht titles in a row between 2011 and 2015.

His final outing for the county came earlier this summer against Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter-final at Croke Park.

In a statement, Doherty said: "Playing for Mayo has been a huge honour for me since I first pulled on the jersey as a Mayo minor in 2007. I am so thankful for the experiences I've had and the memories I've made over the last 13 years.

Doherty in action against Galway back in June

"There were so many ups and downs along the way, but I feel incredibly lucky to have shared a dressing room with a bunch of highly driven, ambitious and talented guys who have now become friends for life.

"There are so many people who helped me along the way, including my club Burrishoole, the management teams who trusted me to wear the green and red jersey and every teammate I've has since 2011 who motivated me to max out on my efforts to reach a shared goal."

Mayo manager Kevin McStay added: "When I was appointed Mayo manager, one of the first players I sought out was Jason. Every Mayo supporter is aware of his importance over the past decade. He was solid as a rock and a highly intelligent footballer with an instinctive understanding of what was needed on the field at any given time.

"He was also prepared to sacrifice himself for the team. He gave everything in 2023, when he recovered from his second serious injury to play for Mayo, but from talking to him at length, I respect his decision to step away now as he feels the time is right. Those who remain behind him are better players and men for having played with Jason Doherty."

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