It won’t come as a shock but Mayo supporters everywhere will feel a sense of profound sadness at the news that was confirmed a few hours ago – Andy Moran has retired from inter-county football.
Andy made his announcement in an interview with Richie Sadlier on the Second Captains podcast, which is due to go online in the morning. Here’s the tweet which contains an extract from the podcast in which Andy breaks the news:
Mayo’s Andy Moran, 2017 Footballer Of The Year, has announced his retirement from inter-county football. Speaking exclusively on The Player’s Chair, one of the iconic faces of the GAA told @RichieSadlier he has called it a day. Coming tomorrow morning to https://t.co/uxcODKouWE pic.twitter.com/2FGX3dT1zm
— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) August 26, 2019
Andy’s announcement brings down the curtain on a Mayo career like no other. A senior inter-county player for seventeen years, the Ballaghaderreen man won eight Connacht titles, a National League title, two All-Stars and, in 2017, the Footballer of the Year award. There truly was only one Andy Moran.
Andy’s first taste of inter-county action came at underage level. He was on the county’s Minor Championship panel in 2000 and 2001 and the U21 panel in 2003. It was in 2003 as well that he first broke into the senior ranks, with his first competitive appearance taking place in a National League match against Down up in Newcastle on the 9th of February that year.
We won that day and, although Andy didn’t score on his debut, he got off the mark in the next game when he bagged 1-1 in a match in which we lost by a point to Laois at Ballinrobe.
Andy made his Championship debut at senior level in 2004 and he did so over at Gaelic Park against New York. He was used exclusively as a sub that summer, when John Maughan’s team made it all the way to the All-Ireland final. That included an appearance off the bench in the final itself, where Andy replaced Conor Mortimer and bagged his first score – a point – in an All-Ireland decider.
But that game ended in defeat. As well as the 2004 final, Andy also featured in the lost deciders of 2006, 2013, 2016 and 2017. He would undoubtedly have played in the 2012 final too, only for the cruciate injury he picked up that summer in the quarter-final against Down. What a difference his presence would have made were he to have been okay to play against Donegal. What a particularly cruel what-might-have-been that was.
It was six years before then that Andy first came to national prominence. After our shock victory over Dublin in the 2006 All-Ireland semi-final, it was revealed that, as he was being readied to come on in the second half, Andy promised manager Mickey Moran that he’d get the goal the Derry man was imploring him to conjur up. He did too, as we stormed back from seven down to win that classic encounter by a point.
Andy’s infectious smile after scoring the goal was only overshadowed that day by Ciaran MacDonald’s outrageous winning point. But Andy’s persona – as a happy-go-lucky, bubbly, positive character – was already clear for all to see. It’s one Mayo supporters have come to cherish down the years since then.
There are so many moments to pick out from his long, illustrious career for the county. Here are two of my favourites.
The first came late on in the Connacht Championship quarter-final against Galway in Salthill in 2013. We’d already whipped them mercilessly into submission when, in the closing stages, Andy was sprung from the bench to make his first appearance since he’d sustained the cruciate injury the previous summer. And he only went and did this.
The second was also a goal, this time from his second All-Star season in 2017. When this one went in against Kerry, it was the moment that it began to dawn on many of us that Andy was now in pole position to be crowned Footballer of the Year as well. What a goal it was (it’s a minute into this highlights clip).
But now it’s over. Time stands still for none of us, not even the wonderful, irrepressible Andy Moran. Of course he shouldn’t be retiring without an All-Ireland medal but none of us – least of all Andy – needs telling just how cruel sport can be.
But Andy retires as one of the truly great players to have worn the Mayo jersey. Those of us who have seen him ply his trade for the county all these years are lucky to have done so. I’m not alone in knowing that these are memories to be treasured.
So farewell then, Andy Moran. You leave the stage with huge thanks from Mayo fans everywhere for all your efforts down the years in an era like no other to be following this great team of ours. Like you said yourself, we were all in it together at a time when you were so often leading the charge for us. And what a time it was. Thanks for the memories, Andy.
Sooo sad tonight. End of era. How we will miss Andy..iI have taken myself off to look at various clips: the standing ovation of the mayo fans roscommon replay game. That goal above v Kerry. His love of Mayo always shone through.
How did we not win with Andy and this group. The total outpouring tonight shows how much he meant to all of us. There is something in my eye..
One of the greatest to ever wear the Green and Red jersey. Wishing Andy all the best in his retirement and for the future.
Thanks Andy, you did us proud. You made us proud. Legend. All the very best in the next chapter.
What a legend we will miss him hope he becomes a coach some day so much to offer thank you handy Andy
Very well written WJ. You speak for all of us Mayo supporters there. My favourite Andy moment was definitely Mayo V Galway 2013. Il never forget the roar of the crowd when he came off the bench and then when he scored that goal…unbelievable!!
I’m so sad for him that he never got the medal he so badly wanted but I’m glad for him that he got to experience winning a National title this year. I’m sure we will see him back in some form in the years to come.
A hero. Thanks for the memories Andy
– Thank you Andy, his contribution to Mayo GAA has been immense
– What a superb role model Andy has been on and off the pitch.
– Welcome back Martin the Dub, here is one Mayo supporter that hope ye stuff Kerry on Sunday.!!!
Surprised myself at how emotional I felt when I heard Andy retired. Maybe its that it seems like more than one man retiring and that it is the end of an era for this great Mayo team. Best of luck in retirement. Such a shame he never managed to capture the big prize but that’s life. A once in a generation player. We were lucky to have him.
A true legend of the game and Mayo football. You will be missed Andy!!
the feeling of loss is palpable this evening, it’s a pain in the chest for the loss and all the losses and what could have been.
To Andy, well we’ve had us a time and you played such a big part in it, nearly a decade of playing with the very best Thank you for it all
When he did his cruciate v Down in 2012 I feared he wouldn’t be the same player when he came back, and he wasn’t – he became an ever better player, reaching new heights in 2016 & 2017.
A guy who loved playing football and loved playing for Mayo, and a player the supporters loved to see darting out to win a ball.
He gave his all and can be a very proud man.
Thanks for all the great days Andy, they won’t be forgotten, ever.
A true legend of the game and a master in his trade. I will miss him so much in that green and red Jersey and those roars and cheers from the Mayo crowd when he would come on as a sub in recent times. I truly feel so sad tonight and not just that we won’t see Andy in the green and red but because he never got that Celtic cross he so deserved! Sport is cruel. I wish you well in your retirement Andy and thank you for the great memories.
Sad day as one of our greatest ever sons steps down. Andy is a credit to himself , his family and the people of Mayo.
Football aside Andy has put his time back into the local community of Mayo. He runs a successful business in the county town and employs numerous people. He is also heavily involved with underage teams / schools throughout Mayo. Anyone who visits his gym has nothing but good words to say about him. He will always greet you with a smile and have a chat when you walk in the door.
I’m glad he got to get some national silverware even if it’s not the one we all wanted him to get it’s still some consolation. Hopefully in the near future he will have some part to play in leading mayo to all Ireland glory.
All the best for the future Andy! You will be missed but you have inspired a generation to go on and achieve great things for our county.
Maigh Eo Abú!
He epitomizes everything that’s great about Mayo. I hope he stays involved in the future in some capacity. Delighted he got to bow out with a national title and with his last game being an AI semi even if it didn’t go our way .
A legend in every sense of the word .
Thanks Andy for a fantastic contribution to Mayo football.
It’s sad that you and all your team mates did not pick up at least one
Celtic x medal, you certainly deserved one for your total commitment
During a fabulous and long career. Enjoy Retirement
Gave us many great moments down the years. Will never forget the goals in 06 v Dublin and 17 v Kerry.Winning player of the year showed just how good he was.
Lifted the bar hopefully the next generation can lift it again.
I would think there are many Defenders on senior panels who are breathing a sigh of relief tonight. Andy was one of those players who had the capacity to cause alot of damage if given an inch to do so. At his best, unmarkable, even on an off day, more than a handful for even the most astute of backs.
Never seemed to run out of fight, never let the head drop.
By all accounts, a gentleman on and off the pitch. Best of luck to him. I fully expect to see him on the sidelines in years to come. He doesn’t strike you as the type would could stay away.
So long old soldier. One of the greats. As Mike Finnerty said Andy Moran keeps on keeping on.
Undoubtedly Mayo,’s best forward for the last 30 odd years, thanks for the memories Andy, a class act!! We will definitely miss u on the pitch.
He reinvented himself incredibly. He proved how brilliant he is in these past 4 years by beating his marker in the one-on-ones in every game he played – despite the naysayers telling us he was too old. Time and again he turned on a sixpence leaving decorated defenders in his wake. His positivity has been incredible. Legend is an overused term in sport but I look forward to telling my wee ungfella about The Great Andy Moran in years to come.
Ciaran McDonald was always my favourite mayo player and is still very much up there but I have to say the spirit, pride and relentlessness of Andy has placed him in pole position for me the past number of years (not to mention outrageous talent). How many times did he show true leadership when we really needed it? He never gave up and he drove his team mates on whether as a starter or sub and demanded high standards from all around him. I personally feel he should have captained the team for longer.
We will feel his loss – we now are truly in transition unfortunately and we need to be patient as fans. I trust James to rebuild and have us competitive in all Ireland finals again but it may take a few seasons. We do have talent coming through but some are early in their career and even Andy took a few years to show us how good he was. They all require the ambition, resilience and hard work ethic and thirst for self-improvement which Andy has had in spades to fill his boots though.
As for Mayo county board – I plead you do all within your power to get Andy on board working with our youth and development teams – I think he’s gonna be an amazing Mayo manager one day, his journey as a mayo player may be over but he still has much to offer Mayo although he owes us nothing
A sad day not just for Mayo but GAA football when such a great player as that retires. Andy Calling time highlights that the transitional period start now for Mayo as he will be joined by a more and he more than anyone else wouldn’t have stepped away if he felt there was a chance of winning Sam in 2020.
The very best of luck to you Andy in your retirement from football.
You’ve had a great career and reached the very top level as a player.
I’m delighted, in this your final season, your were still able to turn games for us.
Enjoy all the plaudits today and over the coming days. You deserve them all. A living legend.
Thanks for your brilliance kiddo.
Oh no Mayomagic reality bites.
A sad emotional day for Mayo Gaa and the greater Gaa. One of those moments for me where you will always remember where you were and what you were doing – when the great Andy Moran announced his retirement. What a man. We will miss him. Thank you Andy.
Thanks Andy for great memories Brilliant attitude and great over all sportsman
What a privilege it was to be at matches over the last years watching Andy Moran in action. A true Mayo footballing legend, a complete sportsman and gentleman as well. So many great memories to cherish. Wishing you every success for the future!
Hard to say exactly what made him such a great player – his ability to create half a yard of space in any situation always amazed me but for me his greatest attribute, like all great forwards he was greedy for scores – that sometimes translated into being generally greedy too but the net positive far outweighed the odd negative – he never passed the buck with the easy handpass back or sideways – if he thought it was on, he took it on and more often than not he got his reward. Fantastic player.
A great man, a great role model and an absolute Mayo legend. I have nothing but admiration for him for what he has contributed to his county and what a shame that he didn’t win the medal he so richly deserved. But a great man or a great footballer is not defined by medals won. He conducted himself brilliantly on and off the field and it is such a tribute to him that he was admired not only in Mayo but in other counties as well. How fitting that in his last home game he played such a critical role in helping us to defeat Donegal and qualify for AI semi final. And also how fitting it was that he should play his final game in front of a full house in Croke Park against one of the greatest teams ever. Andy was one of our greatest ever. He will be missed. Go raibh maith agat Andy.
A great servant to the cause, always so positive and up beat. When he waved to the Hill a couple of weeks ago I knew the game was up. Unmarkable in 2017 and deserved POTY.
So many great memories. One of my fondest memories was an fbd game in kiltoom a few years ago, on a cold January afternoon. The Rossie fans were giving him dogs abuse as he warmed up, on he comes, bags 2 late goals to win the game, then kisses the crest!. The Rossies went nuts lol. Played every games as if it was his last, Thanks Andy.
Fantastic player and man, respected throughout the country for his determination and sportsmanship. Never let us down and proved time and again his class on and off the field. In my opinion he could and should have gone on another couple of years to help bring on our young guns. However I completely agree that this fine man owes us nothing, in fact we should just be thankful for his enduring commitment to our position of most competitive county throughout the past few years. Wishing you all the best for the future Andy and hoping you are involved in the coaching setup in any capacity when we get to bring Sam Maguire back to the soft and craggy boglands and tall majestic hills!!
Thank you Andy for your dedication, resilience, motivation and brilliance to our great Mayo GAA county. You will be sadly missed. I hope you got as much out of Mayo football as you richly gave to us the supporters..it was an honour to support you.
The most sincere thank you for ALWAYS stopping to converse with every child after a game, as you did, win, lose or draw, home or away, hail, rain or snow.
You are an inspiration and a fantastic role model, as you proved after every game to our special need daughter .
Wishing you and your family good health and happiness.
Hope the love of the red and green drives you on to stay involved with the best county.
A shame he leaves without an All Ireland Medal.
From us dubs , a genuine wish that Andy enjoys his retirement from inter county football. A true legend, a gentleman and probably the best footballer not to win an all Ireland medal .
When he shook hands with Cluxton and every Dublin player , and then applauded the hill and they him, it was pretty clear that he was retiring .
A proud Mayo man it was a pleasure to see him play .
Thanks for all those great days Andy. I enjoyed them all. One of my favourite scores was against Galway in Salthill. From somewhere out near the corner flag and close to the endline, Andy slips his marker and splits the posts from an impossible angle. Commentators said afterwards it was an attempted pass into the square. Anyone at the game knew exactly what it was. A piece of Andy Moran wizardry.
https://youtu.be/tNrKZ0WGd5M
Thank you for the Good days Andy!!
Morning, had to come on and pay my respects to Andy Moran and wish him the best in his retirement.
He leaves a huge void in that group, not only that he still is a go to man in the forward line but also a leader in the dressing room. It will be very hard to replace that. Similarly to Galway when PJoyce retired Mayo will take time to replace this legend.
I know there will be a lot of defenders in Galway Roscommon and farther afield a little happier this morning..
Genuinely sad to have heard this, but thanks Andy for being a keystone throughout one of the best periods of Mayo football ever. I hope we get to see you again in the Mayo set up at some point in the future
Good man Andy, thanks for the time you have spent with the team.
The goal in Salthill marked your return from serious injury and phase two of a magnificent career.
Andy Moran: “I am retiring”.
Every defender in Ireland: “Oh thank you God”.
Sad to see Andy finally call it a day but eternally grateful for all he did for Mayo football. Legend is bandied about too much sometimes but Andy secured that status a long time ago.
Changed from the forwards to the backs, changed style after a serious injury and never lost his positive take on the game. Fabulous player but it was his leadership that always stood out for me.
Also coined the immortal – “We are Mayo and we’re in this together”. I have no doubt he still has lots to contribute to Mayo.
All that’s left to say is THANK YOU ANDY.
A TRUE LEGEND. Andy is well respected by all GAA people everywhere. A real leader & it is such a pity that he & his team didn’t win an All Ireland. All Great players know when it’s time to retire . Andy’s great moments will live on for many years to come. His Goals against kerry & Dublin in particular. Will we see him involved as a manager in the future ?. Enjoy your retirement Andy & good luck in the future in life & in sport.
Thanks Andy.
A future Mayo senior manager.
I would implore those at co board level not to allow his talent go unused or used by another county as we have a reputation of doing. Give him a year break as he’ll need it but get him on board in some capacity within Mayo GAA. Would be an excellent director of a youth academy to begin with and hopefully take the Mickey Harte route, minor…u20…senior.
Andy isn’t the kind of guy to hang up the boots and walk away entirely. His nature is to lead, mentor, encourage and strive for success so I’d imagine Andy Moran will be a pivotal figure for Mayo for many years. Best wishes to him.
It feels like a death in the family!
But thankfully Andy is alive and well!
We can have no doubt he will be involved with Mayo Teams in the future putting his shoulder to the wheel as only he can to drive the green and red on to bigger and better things!
Thanks for all the great days and memories over the years.
What a Mayo man in every way, I will cherish the memories. Hope he enjoys some downtime and then would love to see him back with us in whatever capacity. Himself Mac and Dillo all played together we are privileged to have had these lads represent the County.
What a man – what a wonderful servant to Mayo football! 5 ft 10.5 in of pure football platinum.
A summary of many of his great achievements:
2x Mayo Senior Club Championships
3x Sigerson Titles
2 Connacht Minor Titles (2000 & 2001)
Connacht Runners-Up U-21 In 2003
Mayo’s record appearance holder –
182 games for Mayo
85 Championship Appearances for Mayo
8x Connacht Inter-county titles
6x All-ireland Runners-Up Medals
1x National Football League title
2x All-Star Awards (2011 and 2017)
Player of the Year in 2017 at 33 years old
Came back of cruciate ligament tear 2013
Go raibh maith agat Aindriu Ó Morain
– ‘Finscéal beo’.
Happy retirement Andy!
When you think about it the performance levels he hit in recent years are phenomenal. Its arguable that he was at his best in his 30s, winning poty at 33 when most players have retired was an incredible achievement.
Great brain, despite having watched him play hundreds of times i still haven’t worked out how he was able to constantly find space without being blessed with pace
Makings of a great forward coach if jh wants to shake things up.
We will see him again, no doubt
It was Andy’s movement off the ball that made him so hard to mark. Constantly making 5-10 yard darts back and over across the goal. Too many of our forwards don’t work hard enough off the ball and make themselves available for the pass. He would make great forwards coach alrite.
Best wishes to Andy on his retirement as I said on an earlier thread he will be a huge loss and Won’t be replaced for years. If Ciaran McDonald was the most talented forward we had in the last 50 years then Andy was the most dedicated, committed and positive and to be fair he was very talented and the ball seem to stick to him like glue. He leaves with 8 Connacht medals 2 all stars a player of the year and one national league division 1 title not a bad haul. I can see him being Mayo manager one day I hope he stays involved in Mayo football maybe go and manage a club for a few years and take it from there. I hope Colm Boyle and Keith Higgins give us one more year.
All the best Andy and thanks for your dedication to Mayo football.
It truly was a remarkable feat to come back from an ACL and win player of the year a few years later. I hope you become involved with Mayo in a management/development capacity soon.
Am I mistaken for remembering him as a half back in his early Mayo years?
For me, the greatest Andy Moran memory of all was in the FBD clash in Kiltoom when Andy made the Rossies cry. I never laughed as much at a game in all my life. There was a Rossie in front of me down at the Athlone side goal and he had his toddler in a buggy beside him, and he was all nice and smiley as the Rossies were well in front for most of the game. By the time Andy has finished with them yer man had nearly fucked the buggy, child and all, out over the wall and in behind the goal! The Rossies were spitting venom that day and I split my sides laughing at them all the way home.
Andys second goal in particular was clinical finishing of the highest order as he had barely the width of the ball, tight to the post, to bury it to the back of the net. His “hands cupped behind his ears” celebration and he circled away was classic. There will be much written and remembered about Andy over the close season, and rightly so. However, his positive attitude and absolute dedication to maintaining senior inter county fitness levels well in to his 30’s is exceptional. If Mayo GAA and Horan have any sense they will earmark him as a future coach in development squads and, in time, the senior set-up.
For now, he probably needs a little “me-time” for himself and his family and no-one deserves it more. However, time waits for no man and it is now up to Carr, Treacy, Loftus and Regan to take up the slack and prove their worth.
A truly great player with a touch of class to everything he did both on and off the field. The latest example of this is the fact that he announced his retirement in August, giving James Horan plenty of time to plan for 2020. This was a decision taken in the best interests of Mayo and an example of leadership to his team mates who might be having similar thoughts. Well done Andy.
So happy to say Andy is one of us. So sad to think we won’t see him torturing defences with his wily mazy ways. Thank you Andy for wonderful memories and for being a decent happy person. I wish you all the best in whatever the future holds for you and your family. You could have won the big one but you are and always will be special to this Mayo heart and Mayo family. Thank you.
everything i wanted to say about andy has allready being said and i fully agree with them all, ill just say thanks andy for all the wonderful days you and this great team have given us over the last nine years .
Thanks for the memories Andy. Touch of class on and off the field. I cannot think of another footballer, from any county, that improved so much in the last 5-6 years of their career. Testement to his dedication and intelligence. In an age dominated by pace and power, Andy’s poise and guile really stood out.
Let’s hope a political party doesn’t try to lure him in. I’m my opinion Andy’s best days with Mayo are yet to come.
Brilliant footballer..Gave it absolutely everything. Gutted that he didn’t get his celtic cross. Hopefully Andy stays involved with Mayo in some capacity in the future. His enthusiasm and work ethic is the sort of example all kids playing the game should aspire to. Enjoy your retirement Andy..you will be missed.
Legend. Can’t help thinking what might have been in 2012 had he been strutting his stuff in the final.
Unbelievable temperament/attitude through thick and thin. What a role model for all. Here’s hoping he’ll be involved again in some guise in the not too distant future.
Andy was a natural inside forward, he was a brilliant ball winner and when he had it won his first instinct was to straight at you. Coupled with his skill he had great ball intelligence and was able to create space and his timing for slick passes was great to watch, unless of course your team were the ones suffering.
Great players are etched on out memory whether they play for or against you and Moran is one of those greats. I hope he has health and happiness in his life going forward.
Pebblesmeller mine too, that is my all-time favourite Andy moment. He mentions it in the Second Captains podcast as probably not being the ideal thing to do (I’m paraphrasing) but the hilarity of that day will live long in the memory. Andy doing what he did best, driving the Rossies daft!
What a player and what a man … I remember chatting to him after the 2016 (I think) final and even then he was as upbeat as ever. He mentioned that he’d been asked countless times all night if he was going to “go again”. “Of course I’m going to go again”, says he. “What kind of a question is that? Are ye (supporters) going to go again?! Because if I’m going again ye’d bloody well better be going too!” Sums up his attitude really, on a night he couldn’t have been blamed for considering throwing in the towel. I hope his new path is a bright one and down the line will involve Mayo GAA.
Not coping very well with the news here and hope the retirement floodgates don’t open, but I won’t get into that on here. Haven’t been coping very well since 10th August truth be told, but like other years am sure I will bounce back. Though it’s hard to carry too much hope in your heart in this era of Dublin dominance.
I really hope Andy stays well away from the politics. I’d like to still be liking him in years to come!!
What more can be said about this truly great player and an even greater person. Thanks for the memories Andy and every best wish for the future. Take a good break and it is essential that the County Board find a role for you with a view to been a future manager of the Senior team.
Andy can hang up the boots with no regrets. He gave 110% for Mayo without ever once letting us down. The ultimate big game player. I can see him playing a massive role in Mayo GAA in years to come but first a well deserved break. Too many good memories to list in full here but that goal against Dublin in 2006 will always be a special one for me at least.
As they say in Tourmakeady, “We’ll never see his likes again”
As a Dub, I’m surprised at how sad this made me when I heard the news.. A true giant of the game. Doesn’t matter which tribe is yours, when a warrior like Andy retires we all lose a little.. If I’m feeling like this can only imagine how yous are.. Has to be brought into the backroom team sooner than later… Thanks Andy for years of entertainment (and pain)
I’m shocked. Thought he would go on for another year at least. He would be capable of it.
Looking back through the archives, (thank you again WJ), he first surfaced at U21 level in 2003. If I’m not mistaken I first saw him play in the Hyde in the Connacht U21 final in 2004, though he did make brief appearances in the senior Connacht championship. He stood out in that match, captain too I think. What struck me then was the leadership he displayed, bossy maybe, but impressive for a youngster. Remember the legendary remark to Mickey Moran, ‘I will get you a goal’ in the 2006 semi.
Since then the list is a long long one and some memories merge or blur into one another. Different positions, different roles, but the same Andy, making a mark, having an impact, usually a telling impact.
Post cruciate, he got even better, defying predictions. Those drifts to the wing, the better to fire outrageous balls between the posts were something special. Yes Bohola, you are right about the commentators. I remember Canning I think after one of those: ‘It’s drifting wide, no it’s gone over, I think he meant to drop it in the square’. Of course you did Ger, because you didn’t recognise genius when it was staring you in the face.
Like most of the current bunch he really blossomed under James Horan, and following the cruciate, he just got cleverer and cleverer and his dedication to making himself as fit as could be, paid off hugely. That pass in the League final to Ciaran Tracey, and the catch he made to start the move leading to the goal against Meath are special memories this year. No wait a minute, those 2 points against Donegal. Or what about… stop.
Look forward to seeing you on the sideline soon Andy.
Attitude and movement.
That’s what Andy brought. Plenty said about his movement above. I remember an interview he gave where he said he recognised that he was not the most naturally talented footballer but that he tried to maximise the talents that he did have. Attitude.
That attitude is an example to any young footballer who wants to push himself on to the next level.
So right Outta of the blue. Saddest thing to hear last night. What a legend not just in Mayo but in the whole Gaa family around the country.
We will remember you forever, for all the glory days you gave us,
We will remember your phrase ‘ In this together’ forever.
Thank you so so much for everything.
It’s good that you getting your well deserved time for yourself, your family, your little ones grow up so quickly so enjoy time watching them grow, and spending precious time with them.
And when the time is right for you, we all hope and pray that we’ll see you doning the green and red tracksuit running up and down the sideline some day.
Finally thank you for being such a great role model for younger gaa players.
The very best of everything brillant in the future because you are brillant.
I’m sad to see him go. Good man, Andy. Thanks for all the memories over the years.
I am sure Andy will leave with no regrets. He has given everything to Mayo football. Pundits outside of Mayo will highlight no All Ireland medal, which is wrong. He without doubt was the greatest player to ever play for Mayo. His attitude was amazing even in difficult times. Sometimes football is more important than having an Ireland medal when you win respect of the whole country. With all of the experience gathered I do hope Andy will be seen again on the sideline. A true inspiration to young players. Best of luck Andy
Thank you Andy Moran for the all the joy you have given us,the Mayo football community worldwide, over all these years. One medal eluded you but will a top class sportsperson be judged by one medal? I think not. Will Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest soccer player of all time, be judged for not winning a World Cup medal? Absolutely not! You are one of the greatest Mayo footballers of all time and we will miss your sheer class both on the pitch and off it. Enjoy your retirement, you have earned it but dont take too long :>) We need you back at the coalface of Mayo football to lead us to further glory.
Nearly 24 hours on and still not coping. I hope
Andy and his family know what he meant to us. The memories, the scores, the great days out… Boylers lovely thank you tweet has sent me over edge now.
Relatively late starter to gaa, how many years did he play wing back for?
There is little that remains to be said.
A legend of Mayo football.
Hopefully his footballing intelligence and leadership skills are channeled into becoming a coach.
Mayo County Board, snap him up!
I hope Andy reads this blog and sees how much we appreciated him.
I hope his children will read the tributes when they are older and burst with pride.
How many will ever read such good things about themselves?
Well done Andy on such an outstanding time in the county colours. Over the last 10 years I think he was unquestionable the best inside forward in the game, absolute sublime at creating space in tight confines, linking play, working scores, fantastic close control and oodles of skill. Despite the many fantastic athletes taking to the field over that time, I think perhaps only Bernard Brogan could mirror his ability in that inside forward role but probably did not sustain it over such a long time as Andy. He is fully deserving of him time away from the inter county scene. However with some of the raw talent we have in the likes of Carr, Reape, Diskin and Moran as purely inside forward options, I think it would be mad not to try and convince him to specifically coach such lads on a more limited time basis if he could at all slot it in. We now see the likes of P Joyce involved with the neighbours with some telling effect but should probably have been enticed on board years earlier….hoping our top brass have the good sense to realise when we have a footballing genius in our midst.
Just to add my bit to the non-Mayo voices acknowledging Andy Moran’s contribution.
I remember noticing him sitting with his daughter after losing the final, famous pictures that were picked up on TV and print. I think it was 2016? And I was sure that was the end of an already-storied career.
To come back from that and play in another final and win an All-star and still be producing the goods in 2019 is testimony to the type of dedication and talent that most players only aspire to.
Congratulations and best wishes to one of those GAA greats that sprinkle the folklore of this wonderful sport.
Is there a delay on comments posting here?
Thank you Andy and the very best of good luck to you in the future.
Sean McLoughlin – those posting comments for the first time automatically go into moderation and, depending on how busy I am with work etc. there can be a delay in such comments going up. Yours is up now.
Andy not alone are you a brilliant ,skilful and intelligent footballer .
You are a warm human being as i witnessed when i brought my Granddaughter Catherine from Limerick into see you in your gym : The Movement in Castlebar .
As Busy as you were you made time to chat to her and stood to have a Photograph with her
It is something she will always remember
Have a Happy Retirement from Playing for your County
You Really put your heart and soul into your playing career
Thank you for all the good Memories you gave us for the last 15 yrs
Mile buiochas Andy Moran you were a great servant and a legend and a brilliant footballer for Co Mhuigheo for so many years! As was stated by many contributors above I sincerely hope that the County Board will offer you a coaching position asap!
Go neiri leath Andy agus do clann i gconai!
Billy Joe Padden pays a lovely tribute to Andy in this week’s Mayo News – here.
Andy’s retirement has got me thinking, I remember telling people in Claremorris a few days before the Donegal game in early August not to be worring about the pace in the Mayo players, I used Andy as an example, he just knows when to make those shorts busts to win the ball, he really mastered this tactic, this came from having gained so much experience over the years.
Wing backs are probably the most naturally gifted footballers on any team, Andy like Graham Geraghty made the transition to become a lethal forward.
I sense the end of something big following his retirement, also to Mayo being an All Ireland challenger in the next few years.
Kerry to run the Dubs close but will go down by 4 points in the end.
Thank you for everything, Andy. Having been out of the country for a few years I think I discovered Andy during a Mid West Radio broadcast of a Mayo game probably in 2011 or 2012. I just remember then thinking he was a player who could make things happen, who we could rely on.
That proved the case since then. He has been a game changer.
Billy Joe mentioned it in his article, that we cannot underestimate the effort to remain at the top levels of inter county football over 17 seasons. Andy’s positive and even temperament, I think, caused me not to notice the massive drive, training and skill levels that Andy must have harnessed over that time. Thank you for all you have given us and for that wonderful character we’ve gotten to know. Best wishes to Andy and family always.
Anyone wondering what it takes to become a player like Andy – read this article about him from 2016 – a ferocious appetite for training and self improvement. This is the hunger our next generation of footballers need to possess. Andys set the bar folks, who can surpass it
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.sportsjoe.ie/amp/gaa/as-if-it-was-ever-in-doubt-andy-moran-is-now-an-official-mayo-legend-with-very-special-record-72675
his smile and positivity lifted the team when sprung from bench…
legend….best of luck Andy to you and family for the future
A moment that stands out for me was 2015 semi final when Boyle won the penalty and while the ref dealt with the commotion Andy stood at penalty spot with the ball and took all the sledging and jostling but handed the ball to cillian to take the kick without any abuse when the ref was ready .Great thinking from great player
For everyone missing Andy Moran, ye can tune in to 2016 All Ireland? Final in ‘All Ireland Gold’ TG4 7-15 to 9-00 PM tommorow…A Real tour de Force by Andy at the beginning of the second half, bringing Mayo ‘right back in contention… Judge for yourself’s but I think that it was finest performance by any Mayo Team in my experience, coming back from conceding Two Own Goals in Freakishly Bizzare Circumstances… concidering that no own Goal has ever been conceded ever in the history of All Ireland Final’s before 2016, MDMC managed to dodge a Red Card and the Ref missed a pick up off the ground 25 Meter’s from the Dublin Goal by Dennis Bastic, right after Cillian’s Greatest Ever Point and one of finest equalising point’s ever scored in Croke Park!
A giant of a man…. onwards and upwards hopefully and become the ‘Jayo for Mayo’….
Andy played in the U21 All Ireland Final in 2014 against Armagh. So he had to win U21 Connaught medal that year. I got that information in your archive WJ.
I was @ that U 21 final v Armagh in Breffni park..Andy playing wing back dropped a ball just short in the final minute losing agonisingly by a point if memory serves me correctly……He improved beyond recognition in the intervening years developing into the best two footed forward to wear the Green and red of Mayo probably ever…..Testimony to his dedication, iapplication, resilience and intelligence..Nevertheless the manner he played with a smile on his face was one of his most endearing gifts..Happy retirement bigman…
The Irish current affairs programme ‘Scannall’ reviewed the brawl incident from the 1996 final tonight – 30 minute show (obviously it’s a repeat). It might be on RTÉ Player if anyone’s interested.
It has all been said above but I feel I have to say something in the hope that it will relieve the pain I feel.
Thank you Andy, and I wish you and yours all the best for the future.
We will never see his like again.
Andy Moran is a true Mayo legend.
I hope that he will be added to James Horans coaching staff in the near future.
Andy could be a great addition in helping the lads like James Carr, Fionn Mcdonaugh,
Reape etc. to become more clinical forwards.
Andy had that bit of cuteness that got him out of tight corners.
Wishing Andy well in life and his Andy 2.0 phase of his Mayo GAA career. Who knows he might have even more impact on the sidelines developing our next generations.
An interesting aspect of Andy. “There’s a small few things I’m good at”. An Andy quote talking about his own game. He defintely showed the impact of healthy life outside of just training.
Thank you Andy for your dedication and love for the Mayo jersey. You gave everything for the cause. One of the all time Mayo GAA greats. I hope he takes some time away from the game to spend time with his family / friends. Hopefully we’ll see him in a coaching / management role with Mayo in the years to come. I feel that he has what it takes to be a really top coach / manager. He may not have won Sam as a player, however I feel he’ll win one as a manager. Best of luck in the future Andy.
Not much more to add from what’s above, but all the best Andy.
A true Mayo legend and a role model for all, both on and off the football pitch.
Agree as well that we must utilise him in some sort of coaching or development capacity. But that’s for another day.
Best Wishes to Andy and his family. What an absolute class act. Always gave 100% to the cause. So many memories – the glory of the goal v the Dubs back in 06, the heartache at seeing him coming off v Down, the pure elation at his goal on return v Galway, the catch and goal v Kerry to name just a few. There is a great moment at the final whistle in that Kerry game where himself and Conor Loftus have a brief celebratory moment together and you can just see how much it means to him and how his class and enthusiasm would be a huge asset to any coaching panel. As a second generation Mayo lad living in London (but Green and Red to the core) I feel blessed to have been around in an era where we have been able to enjoy so many highlights and great games/moments – many of which involved Andy. I feel sure that we will see him in the dugout at some stage in the years to come but for now I hope he goes away with his head held high safe in the knowledge that he did all he possibly could to bring Sam back west to Mayo. I am also sure that there will be no bigger supporter of James and his team going forward. Also just want to say Massive Thanks to you Willie Joe for giving us this forum, a wonderful blog. Thank-You for all your hard work too……oh and please don’t be getting any ideas about retiring yourself. All the Best
I have often heard of boys & men when there was talk about the Mayo senior football teams past & present but one fact for sure is that Andy Moran was a great man from the very first senior game he played for Mayo. Andy had it all as a top class forward, gifted powerful genius, Mayo Co.Board just bring him on board, it’s a no brainer, do it.