Cillian O’Connor Returns to Mayo Squad for Clash with Kerry

Castlebar, Ireland – March 13, 2026 – Cillian O’Connor has been named in the Mayo squad for tomorrow’s Division 1 clash against Kerry in Tralee, marking his official return to inter-county football after a year-long absence. The 33-year-old forward, Mayo’s all-time leading championship scorer and a two-time All-Star, had opted out of the 2025 campaign but maintained he had no intention of retiring.

A Year on the Sidelines

O’Connor’s last appearance for Mayo was in their preliminary quarter-final defeat to Derry in 2024. Mayo manager Andy Moran, a former teammate of O’Connor, revealed that the veteran forward rejoined the setup last autumn and has been focused on regaining full fitness according to RTÉ.

Squad Changes and Emerging Talent

Moran has made five changes to the starting lineup from the team that defeated Armagh. Diarmuid O’Connor will make his first start of the campaign at centre-back, replacing Conor Loftus. Conal Dawson steps in for the absent Paddy Durcan at wing-back, while Donnacha McHugh takes Enda Hession’s place at corner-back. Up front, Darragh Beirne and Fergal Boland will start in place of Cian McHale and Paul Towey.

Alongside O’Connor on the bench is Kobe McDonald, a 19-year-old forward who has made a significant impact in the league with impressive performances against Monaghan, and Armagh. McDonald is expected to join the AFL later this year as reported by Mayo News.

Kerry Lineup and Clifford’s Return

Kerry will welcome back star forward David Clifford to the starting team after he came off the bench to score the winning goal against Monaghan. His brother, Paudie Clifford, who scored four points in that match, has been dropped from the squad. Tom O’Sullivan also returns to the starting lineup, while Sean O’Brien is restored to midfield.

Team Lineups

Kerry: Shane Murphy, Paul Murphy, Jason Foley, Dylan Casey, Tom O’Sullivan, Tadhg Morley, Armin Heinrich, Mark O’Shea, Sean O’Brien, Joe O’Connor, Sean O’Shea, Graham O’Sullivan, Dylan Geaney, David Clifford.

Subs: Seán Broderick, Eddie Healy, Cillian Trant, Micheál Burns, Liam Smith, Donagh O’Sullivan, Charlie Keating, Mike Breen, Tom Leo O’Sullivan, Tomás Kennedy, Ciarán Collins.

Mayo: Rob Hennelly; Jack Coyne, Rory Brickenden, Donna McHugh; Sam Callinan, Diarmuid O’Connor, Conal Dawson; Bob Tuohy, David McBrien; Jack Carney, Ryan O’Donoghue, Jordan Flynn; Darragh Beirne, Aidan O’Shea, Fergal Boland.

Subs: Jack Livingstone, Diarmuid Duffy, Michael Plunkett, Stephen Coen, Fenton Kelly, Seamus Howard, Kobe McDonald, Sean Morahan, Cian McHale, Paul Towey, Cillian O’Connor.

Dublin and Armagh Prepare for Relegation Battle

In a separate Division 1 fixture, Dublin and Armagh are set to clash in a crucial match that could determine relegation fates. Dublin manager Ger Brennan has named an unchanged starting XV from their recent victory over Roscommon. Armagh’s Kieran McGeeney has made one change, with Fergal O’Brien replacing Darragh McMullan.