Trio of Mayo stars return ahead of 2026 campaign

A major boost for Mayo football ahead of the upcoming season

Reports have emerged citing that the experienced trio of Cillian O’Connor, Rob Hennelly and James Carr have all returned to the county panel.

John Fogarty of the Irish Examiner revealed that the experienced trio are back in the fold after each opted out of the Mayo setup for the 2025 campaign.

It is understood new manager Andy Moran played a central role in convincing the players to commit once again to inter-county duty.

Hennelly had officially announced his retirement from inter-county football following the 2024 season but continued playing at club level with Raheny in Dublin.

The 34-year-old goalkeeper now looks set to make a surprise return between the posts for Mayo next year.

Meanwhile, Ballintubber’s Cillian O’Connor and Ardagh’s James Carr had not retired but chose to take a break from county football last season.