Mayo Senior Football Manager, Kevin McStay, has admitted that he respects Jason Doherty's decision to retire from inter-county football.
Doherty (33) decided to hang up his boots last week after spending 12 years on the Mayo senior panel. However, the 33-year-old will continue to play for his club, Burrishoole, in the Mayo Intermediate Championship.
Doherty's impressive career saw him make a total of 132 appearances. He scored 6-49 in 62 championship games and 11-104 in 70 league matches.
A class act. Best of luck with the retirement DOC 💪🟢🔴 pic.twitter.com/yoAscP1x2Q
— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) August 12, 2023
His achievements were recognised with an All-Star nomination in 2017. Doherty participated in three All-Ireland finals and also made a substitute appearance in 2013. His final inter-county match was against Dublin in this summer's All-Ireland quarter-final.
McStay described his former player as "solid as a rock and a highly intelligent footballer" in his own tribute.
"When I was appointed Mayo manager, one of the first players I sought out was Jason," McStay stated.
"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."
