By Cian O'Connell

Mayo's Jason Doherty has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

The Burrishoole clubman won seven Connacht SFC titles and two Allianz Football League medals.

Doherty made his Mayo debut against Kerry in the 2011 League and featured 132 times for the green and red outfit.

A highly regarded Sigerson Cup player with University of Galway, Doherty made an instant impact for Mayo.

"Playing for Mayo has been a huge honour for me since I first pulled on the jersey as a Mayo minor in 2007," he says. 

"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."

Doherty relished representing Mayo. "I extend my best wishes to the management team and players involved with Mayo in 2024 and beyond," he adds.

"I'll miss the environment, the craic, the challenges, the problem solving and the carb loading, but most of all I'll miss that feeling of satisfaction after a hard-fought win and being able to look my teammates in the eye and have their respect. That's what made it all worthwhile."

Mayo manager Kevin McStay acknowledged Doherty's rich contribution. "When I was appointed Mayo manager, one of the first players I sought out was Jason," McStay says. 

"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."