The Girl That Writes About Mayo GAA

Thank You Rob

Whoever said to never meet your heroes, clearly never met their favourite footballers

After an unforgettable thirteen years, Rob Hennelly has retired from the Mayo senior team.

Making his debut against London in 2011, the Breaffy native went on to win Connacht Titles, League Titles and also picking up one All Star nomination.

Photo: Inpho

It’s been a rollercoaster of ups and downs for Hennelly but no Mayo fan will ever forget that point in Croke Park vs Dublin, Seeing the redemption after years of online hate, finally getting that happy moment.

Setting the standard for goalkeeping in GAA today, pulling off outstanding saves and dress, Hennelly has worn his heart on his sleeve and worn that jersey with pride every time he stepped out on the field.

One thing I’ll forever be grateful for is the time Rob gave me whenever I got to meet him, I’d probably have a hundred tops to sign and he would take the time to sign each one no matter the result of the game, even getting my colleague to hop on my till just because he was in the shop

I was around 13/14 when I started to follow Rob’s Mayo journey, I’m now writing this article 23 years old.

Thinking back through the years and remembering all the memories makes me even more grateful to be from such a great footballing county like Mayo, the era of Higgins, Dillon, O’Shea to O’Donoghue, Conroy, Hession, I always say you don’t understand the magic of Mayo football unless your from the county, we follow these lads all around the country hail rain or shine, makes me more grateful to the amazing players who get to deck out in our beloved jersey.