Safe pair of hands joins Mayo Under 14 set-up
The Mayo Schoolboys/Girls & Youths League have announced that Emmet Peyton will join the Under 14 SSE Airtricity National League set-up as assistant manager to Tom Byrne and as goalkeeping coach to both the Under 14 and Under 15 squads for the 2021 season.
Welcoming his appointment, Patrick Lambe, Mayo Youths League fixtures secretary, said the executive committee are delighted to be bringing another highly qualified, enthusiastic coach on board as they continue to try to provide the best possible opportunities for the young soccer players in Mayo to progress their talents while representing their county.
Emmet started his career with Swinford FC and currently plays for Ballina Town FC in the Mayo Super League. In between playing for those two clubs he has had a wonderful career with, among others, Sligo Rovers and Shelbourne in Ireland, and Nottingham Forest across the water.
He holds a degree in physical education from the University of Chichester which he puts to good use in his day job as a PE teacher in St. Muredach's College, Ballina.
Speaking further about his appointment, Lambe went on to say it's fantastic to welcome a former Mayo Youths player onto the coaching staff after having such a wonderful playing career, which all started in Swinford.
An enthusiastic Peyton commented: “I am absolutely delighted to be getting involved with the league and I feel it is a great opportunity to further my coaching development. This is also a great opportunity to work with some of the most talented and inspiring young goalkeepers in the county, helping them to achieve their dreams, as I did when I signed a professional contract.”
Just how Emmet and manager Tom Byrne get along remains to be seen, however, as they will have to put the famous St. Gerald's (Castlebar) and St. Muredach's (Ballina) rivalry aside! They both hold the same roles in the two schools, but Tom is confident this won't be an issue as the pair have worked together before on some very impressive inter-provincial campaigns with Connaught schools squads.
Tom, who has a long association with Partry Athletic FC, the Mayo League and the FAI Regional Emerging Talent programme, will be continuing on his role from last season as manager of the Under 14s.
As Under 13s last year, Tom and the team were desperately unlucky to have the season cancelled when they were going into a match against St. Patrick's Athletic at the business end of the competition. They were strongly fancied to do well against one of the best teams in the country.
Emmet, meanwhile, will be carrying on a great family tradition as he is the nephew of Gerry Peyton, who made 33 appearances for the Republic of Ireland.
SSE Airtricity National League soccer returns to Mayo in the near future, as soon as restrictions allow. The Mayo Under 15 team will be managed by Tom Dempsey, with Anthony Kearney as his assistant.