Parsons bows out having left everything on the field

"Time to go," says Tom Parsons.

After a 12 year Mayo career, the stalwart midfielder has hung up his inter-county boots. "To the resilient people of Mayo," the 33-year-old added, "I can still hear your voices ringing in my ears from the stands of McHale Park to Croker." There are none more resilient than Parsons himself, who could easily have packed it in two years ago after suffering that horrific leg injury against Galway in the Connacht semi-final. 'My comeback will be stronger than my setback' was his mantra though, and after over a year on the sidelines, he fittingly made his return on the biggest stage in the 2019 All-Ireland semi-final. Down through the years, Parsons was a loyal lieutenant in midfield who went about his business with the minimal of fuss. Renowned for his work-rate and coolness in possession, the Charlestown club-man bowed out with typical class this afternoon. "Today, it’s time to say good-bye and announce my retirement from Mayo football. Since 2008, it has been a privilege to play for Mayo and our amazing Gaelic games. It has been a journey that has filled my life with joy, passion, some-heartache, resilience and meaning. An experience that I’ll cherish forever. To teammates past & present, it’s been an honour to battle alongside you, your never give-in attitude for our county and the game is infectious – all I can say is Respect. To the GAA community, county boards, coaches, management and backroom teams, thank you for every ounce of support and encouragement along the way, you give so much for the development of others, that’s is what life is all about. I’ll be forever grateful to my club Charlestown Sarsfields’, who inspired & helped me grow as a player from grassroots to the current day and to the GPA for their continued support on and off the pitch. Thanks to my amazing company Jacobs for the support and flexibility to help me play the game I love. To Mum, Dad and family you left no stone unturned to support me on the journey, thank you so much for the constant voice of encouragement in football and in life. Finally, to my wife Carol, for all the support, guidance and care in the best and toughest of times, thank you for sharing in my dream to play for Mayo. Our beautiful boy and I are blessed to have you in our lives. To the resilient people of Mayo, 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" https://twitter.com/TomParsons_8/status/1346426931579916288