Robbie Hennelly’s transfer from Breaffy to Raheny has been approved.
The Mayo goalkeeper has been living in Dublin for the guts of the last decade and that is the reason he has requested to transfer.
In a recent episode of the Mayo Football Podcast, Hennelly, 32, said that the long commute home for training has impacted on his club performances in recent times. He hopes that the decision to reduce this commute will extend his playing career.
None-the-less, it was a difficult decision for Hennelly to make, but it will have been made all the easier by how his club Breaffy have supported him. Their secretary Linda Coghill penned a heart-felt statement today.
“We appreciate that Robbie did not come to his decision lightly and ultimately decisions have to be made which provide the best balance in life overall,” it read.
“We fully recognise and very much appreciate the enormous contribution Robbie has made to Breaffy GAA Club. It is where he grew up, went to national school, played Gaelic football at all underage levels, right through to the Senior Team.
“It is where he honed his skills to become one of the top Gaelic Games Goalkeepers in the country over the past decade and will continue to play for his County.
IT’S OFFICIAL 🥲
Robbie Hennelly request to transfer to Raheny Club in Dublin have been completed and has now been granted by the County Board. pic.twitter.com/xReQOaO8s9— Breaffy GAA (@BreaffyGAA) February 23, 2023
“Aside from his exceptional footballing talents, Robbie, as a person, has been a wonderful ambassador for Breaffy. Robbie is the epitome of a gentleman.
“Anyone that has crossed paths with Robbie will know how courteous, caring and supportive he is and always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with those that idolise and look up to him.
“We must also extend our sincere gratitude to the Hennelly family on their long-standing support and involvement with the club.
“While we wish Robbie and his wife Orla every happiness in married life and in their future in Dublin, we know that Breaffy is part of who Robbie is and there will always be a big welcome for him whenever he comes home.
“Is Mise le Meas, Linda Uí Coghill Secretary-Breaffy GAA.”
Hennelly has missed the opening games of Mayo’s League campaign due to a broken toe, and has been replaced by Colm Reape. With his move to Breaffy, he will team up with Dublin players Brian Fenton, Brian Howard and Sean McMahon.
