Aidan O'Shea: 'The desire to play is getting even stronger'

If you told Aidan O'Shea back in 2009 he would still be playing for Mayo in 2026, he wouldn't have believed you.

Some 17 years later, the man with the most outfield appearances in the championship is still as motivated as ever to chase success.

At this point in his career, at 35, he knows there are not many years left in inter-county football for him, and he enjoys every day as much as he possibly can.

Since making his debut as an 18-year-old, O'Shea has managed to stay mostly injury-free and says his discipline has been key to his longevity.

"In a contact sport, I haven't had too many significant injuries that have put me out for too long.

"On the flip side, despite what people would have thought earlier in my career, I probably was quite diligent and disciplined to set myself up as best as I can.

"You are probably never going to be 100 per cent. Sometimes you just go to grind through stuff.

"We train and play games, and in between is where, if you don't mind yourself, things will catch up with you quickly.

"When your desire is there, it is easy to maintain that discipline. It has never been something that has flickered or gone away.

"Playing for Mayo is something unbelievable and something I always wanted to do. If anything, the desire is getting stronger as the end is a lot closer to the start.

"I just go into training and hope I am starting next week against London, I train as hard as I can, and I get a great buzz out of that."

Having played alongside him for many years, O'Shea is now managed by his former teammate Andy Moran.

After spells with Leitrim and Monaghan, the former Mayo forward replaced Kevin McStay, as Mayo missed out on a league final after five wins.

The last couple of seasons have seen Mayo's season