LONG-SERVING MAYO MIDFIELDER Tom Parsons has retired from inter-county football.
He becomes the third Mayo player to do so since the turn of the new year, following in the footsteps of Donie Vaughan and David Clarke.
In a statement, Parsons said it had been “a privilege” to represent Mayo, which he did for the first time at senior level back in 2008.
The popular 32-year-old, who made 84 senior appearances, won three Connacht titles, one National League and was twice an All-Star nominee. He was appointed chairman of the Gaelic Players’ Association last September.
The Charlestown man suffered a dreadful knee injury against Galway in May 2018 but made a successful return to inter-county football 15 months later.
He had his final outing in the green and red jersey in last month’s All-Ireland semi-final victory against Tipperary at Croke Park.
“To the resilient people of Mayo,” Parsons added, “I can still hear your voices ringing in my ears from the stands of McHale Park to Croker.
“You are what make our games special. It’s been an absolute honour to represent you.”
- Originally published at 12:39pm
Some man to get back on the pitch after that horrible injury, best of luck to him
@my name: But but Lee Keegan…..gps……
@Anto Whelan: fake dub Anto. Why would you bother pretending to be from Dublin “Anto”?
@my name: You are the most fake person ever.
@Anto Whelan: good man “Anto”
Good servant to the county… Waiting for Mel Robets ( used to be Mel Roberts) to come on shortly and hurl some more abuse at a Mayo player.
Great player. Worked hard to get himself back onto the field after his knee injury. Enjoy your retirement. You deserve to.
The whole Mayo team should retire. Save their perpetual embarrassed.
@James Lough: where are you from in mayo we are proud of our football team I know we have lost a few all Ireland finals but we are still 100% behind our team
@John gaughan: A few.. 13 times. Sinn Fein have stated there will be an all Ireland before Mayo win Sam.
@James Lough: stop now before you embarrass yourself any further.. Yiou clot.
@James Lough: Perpetual embarrassment?? Please justify your statement
Always liked Tom and he showed some character to come back after that horrible injury . Seems like a very down to earth guy, he’s actually a Sligo man and there lies the reason he is so sound. Enjoy the retirement Tom
@Finnster: you have to sneak one in there ….
@my name: I couldn’t resist . I do genuinely like Tom though
@Finnster: Your right ! . He’s from Bellaghy – a good footballer and I’m sure he has enough good memories to last a lifetime By the way his uncle won a county championship in Sligo with Curry.
He’s a True gent and giant of football. Will be missed by all mayo. Let’s hope himself donie clarke and Andy have educated the kids what’s required to be a Mayo footballer
Seemed to be a decent footballer in fairness to him but was probably limited to a centre field role. Like a lot of mayo lads was unlucky not to get the golden prize but would probably have made a great partner for a someone like Fenton or Dara O Se. He showed great courage & commitment to just get back on a football pitch not to mention back playing inter county football after that horrific injury. Happy retirement, well deserved.
Good player. Best of luck in your retirement
Has done a hell of a lot more than some of the chancers commenting here. Great player and comes across as a decent guy… That’s from a Dub in exile!! Enjoy your retirement Tom and thanks for your contribution to the game.
Never rated him
@Kevin Dillon: Why not?… Did you not have the time to rate him?. Or maybe you never heard of him?.. Rating somebody can go from 1 to 100 ..So if you didn’t rate him I think you should.
@Rory Murphy: generally 1-10 no?
@Rory Murphy: I never seen him dominate a game – 70 years and counting for the green and red of Mayo
@Kevin Dillon: So you did rate him then.
@Seosamh: 1 to 10, 1 to 100, 1 to 1000.. all the same percentage wise..I kid you not!
@Rory Murphy: He was an average midfielder Rory
@Kevin Dillon: 50% rating so is it?!
We’ll be in heaven with seven….COYBIB