Andy Moran announces his Mayo retirement

ANDY Moran has announced his retirement from the Mayo senior football squad after 15 years of distinguished service.

The 2017 Footballer of the Year informed manager James Horan of his decision yesterday.

Aged 35, he made his debut for his county in 2004 and has won eight Connacht titles and a National League medal to his credit.

The Ballaghaderreen ace is also the holder of two GAA All-Star Awards, collected in 2011 and 2017.

The big disappointment is the absence of an All-Ireland SFC winners medal from his trophy cabinet, albeit going agonisingly close on a number of occasions. He played in five All-Ireland finals.

"I am now refocused and my mind is clear," he stated.

The news will not have come as a huge surprise to Mayo supporters due to his long service, growing business interests and family commitments.

But it is still a sad moment to see one of the game's modern day legendary figures leaving a Mayo dressingroom, of which he was such an integral part.

He is wished every success, health and happiness in the future.