Mayo GAA to enlist nine new coaches in major drive

MAYO GAA, in conjunction with the Connacht Council, is to undertake a major coaching drive in the county under a new initiative involving 17 local clubs.

Mayo GAA coaching officer, Declan O’Reilly, told a meeting of the Mayo GAA County Board that there had been a very positive response from clubs following a new initiative being undertaken by the Mayo board and the Connacht GAA Council.

The coaches will be appointed to various clubs and will also be invoked in coaching in schools in the area, with 19 hours of coaching time being divided between clubs and schools.

Funding will be proved by the club, with contributions from the county board and the Connacht Council.

"We put this initiative out last April and 17 clubs have expressed an interest in it, so we are delighted with the response," Mr. O’Reilly said.

He added: "Nine new coaches will be appointed with most of them coming from the third level sector, but if any clubs feel they have anyone that would be suitable for getting involved in this scheme then they should contact our coaching manager."

The scheme will get underway next February and interviews will be held this October, with a large number of applications already in from third level students.