league campaigns and made his league debut against Kerry on the 20^th February 2011. In the next round of the league against Galway in Tuam Stadium Jason scored 2-01 in Mayo's 2-14 to 0-12 victory. Jason went on to make 62 championship appearances in total for Mayo scoring 6-49. He made his championship debut against London on the 29^th May 2011. He achieved his 100^th cap against Roscommon in the NFL in 2019. Jason contributed 17-153 in scores throughout his career. Jason made a total of 132 appearances which places him joint eighth with James Nallen on the all-time Mayo list behind Andy Moran, Aidan O'Shea, Kevin McLoughlin, Keith Higgins, Lee Keegan, Alan Dillon and David Clarke. In 2017 he received an All-Star nomination. His final outing for the county came earlier this summer against Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter-final at Croke Park.

 

Jason's Roll of Honour includes

Played Minor for Mayo in 2007;

Two Connacht U21 titles, 2008 and 2009;

Seven Connacht senior titles, 2011-2015, 2020 and 2021;

Two National League titles, 2019 and 2023;

Sigerson Cup title, 2013 (Dublin Institute of Technology, now Technological University Dublin)

 

Jason was a popular figure among Mayo supporters who appreciated his no-nonsense approach and the versatility he brought to every role he fulfilled. After a distinguished career as a forward, he made several appearances as a defender in 2023. Among his team-mates, he enjoyed huge respect. He was one of several Mayo players who travelled from Dublin for training and matches for many years and somehow always managed to present himself in excellent physical condition and ready to give his all in the jersey.

 

Playing for Mayo has been a huge honour for me since I first pulled on the jersey as a Mayo minor in 2007. I am so thankful for the experiences I've had and the memories I've made over the last 13 years. There were so many ups and downs along the way, but I feel incredibly lucky to have shared a dressing room with a bunch of highly driven, ambitious and talented guys who have now become friends for life. 

There are so many people who helped me along the way, including my club Burrishoole, the management teams who trusted me to wear the green and red jersey and every teammate I've has since 2011 who motivated me to max out on my efforts to reach a shared goal. 

My wife Caroline, in particular, made so many sacrifices so that I could play for Mayo for as long as I did. I will always be grateful to her. My parents James and Margaret, my entire family, also supported me every step of the way. It would have been impossible for me to give football so much time and attention without their unquestioning support and that is something I will never forget. 

Mayo supporters are incredible. It was always special to run on a field, anywhere in Ireland, to a great Mayo roar and feed off the energy they sent from the terraces. 

I'd also like to thank my employer Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland and the various managers I've had over the years who gave me the flexibility to adapt my working week to accommodate the travel from Dublin to Mayo for training. Finally, I extend my best wishes to the management team and players involved with Mayo in 2024 and beyond. I'll miss the environment, the craic, the challenges, the problem solving and the carb loading, but most of all I'll miss that feeling of satisfaction after a hard-fought win and being able to look my teammates in the eye and have their respect. That's what made it all worthwhile.

 

Statement from Mayo GAA Chairperson Seamus Tuohy: 

On behalf of Mayo GAA, I would like to sincerely thank Jason for his outstanding commitment and service to Mayo GAA. Jason has been an exceptional player representing his club Burrishoole GAA and county at all levels throughout his career. His commitment to Mayo GAA never wavered and his displays were always at the highest level, played with the height of respect for his teammates, management, county board and supporters.

All at Mayo GAA thank Jason for his contributions to Mayo football throughout the years and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours. Mayo GAA wish Jason, his wife Caroline and his family the very best and thank them for their huge support and commitment to Mayo GAA football always.

 

When I was appointed Mayo manager, one of the first players I sought out was Jason. Every Mayo supporter is aware of his importance over the past decade. He was solid as a rock and a highly intelligent footballer with an instinctive understanding of what was needed on the field at any given time. He was also prepared to sacrifice himself for the team. He gave everything in 2023, when he recovered from his second serious injury to play for Mayo, but from talking to him at length, I respect his decision to step away now as he feels the time is right. Those who remain behind him are better players and men for having played with Jason Doherty.