Mayo defender Brendan Harrison calls time on inter-county career

Mayo defender Brendan Harrison has retired from inter-county football.

The 31-year-old Aghamore man played 67 times for the senior team over the course of nearly a decade.

A stylish and tough operator, he made his debut against Kildare in an Allianz Football League clash back in February 2014.

He played in the All-Ireland final against Dublin in 2016 that ended in a draw and then started in the replay, which the Dubs won by a point. A year later the two counties met in the decider again. Harrison got the nod once more but he suffered more heartache as Dublin prevailed by the minimum margin.

He did lift silverware in 2019 when Mayo overcame Kerry to win the Allianz National Football League Division 1 title and Harrison was also a member of five Connacht winning panels - 2013, 2014, 2015, 2020 and 2021.

He won a PwC All-Star in 2016 at right corner-back and was nominated for another in 2017.

Harrison's last game for Mayo was, coincidentally, against Kildare in the league in 2022 as injuries took a toll.

Reflecting on his career, he said: "I had my problems with injuries over the past five seasons and while that was frustrating, I look back on my time with Mayo with very happy memories. Injuries mean that I cannot continue to train at the required level.

"I thank my club Aghamore and my local community of Kilkelly for their support at all stages and my wife Natasha and my entire family who made many sacrifices so that I could play for Mayo. I look forward to being around for the many milestones ahead for our three young children.

"I wish Mayo every success in 2024 and beyond and know that the players involved now will continue to represent the county with pride."

Mayo manager Kevin McStay paid tribute to Harrison, adding: "He was