By Cian Murphy

The changing of the guard in Mayo football is continuing, with the news that veteran defensive star Chris Barrett is the latest high-profile footballer to retire from inter-county duty.

The 33 year-old Belmullet native had a brilliant 2020 season that saw him included earlier this week in the list of nominees for a PwC All-Star award.

He is now the fifth Mayo player to call time on their glittering career since the All-Ireland final defeat after David Clarke, Seamus O’Shea, Tom Parsons and Donal Vaughan stepped away last week.

Barrett won an All-Ireland U21 medal in 2006. Since making his senior debut in 2008, the tenacious defender won seven Connacht SFC as well as the 2019 Allianz league division 1 crown, carving a name for himself as one of the game’s top markers and played for Mayo 85 times across league and Championship and was an All-Star defender in 2017.

In a statement released through mayogaa.com Barret said: “I feel incredibly privileged to have played alongside some of the most talented and honourable men to ever pull on a Mayo jersey.

“Not to mention the management teams, the support staff, and our loyal supporters that have been central to everything good Mayo GAA has achieved over the last number of years. Thank you to each and every one of you for a memorable journey.

“A special word of thanks to Beal an Mhuirthead GAA for playing a huge part in my development as a player. To my work colleagues in LEPD, for their understanding and help over the last number of years. To my parents, brothers, and sister, for being there every step of the way.

“Finally, to Dearbhaile and Isla. Thank you for your unwavering support and your sacrifices, without which I could not have achieved what I did.”