Oisín McConville being heavily backed to become next Mayo GAA boss
by Aiden Henry
Wicklow manager Oisín McConville is being heavy backed to become the next Mayo senior football team manager.
His odds to get the job have been slashed by Boyle Sports from 12/1 yesterday to even money today.
The former Armagh star spoke on national radio earlier this week about the fact the 226 mile return journey from Crossmaglen to Aughrim was one of the toughest aspects of his role with Wicklow GAA.
A move to Mayo would not cut down on his time spent driving, however, but it would land him one of the most attractive position in the top flight of Irish inter-county football.
The 49-year-old coach, who won an All-Ireland SFC title with his native county in 2002, is the holder of two All-Star Awards, one National League medals, six All-Ireland senior club championship medals, 10 Ulster senior football championship medals and 17 county championship medals with Crossmaglen.
Officials of Mayo GAA tasked with finding a new manager will not be able to ignore the fact he is a serial winner, one of central components for which the game in Mayo is crying out.
It is understood there is a growing view within the organisation's executive committee that appointing a big name from outside the county would prove an inspirational move for both players, clubs and supporters at this time.
His media experience would also benefit him hugely in a county with a relentless appetite for news about their team.
Mayo GAA will have to move swiftly, however, as a number of other counties have also their sights set on McConville.
Since taking over the role of Wicklow manager ahead of the 2023 season, he has improved the side to a significant degree.
Interestingly, McConville was listed as part of Ray Dempsey's proposed managerial team when the Knockmore man applied for the post of Mayo senior football team manager before Kevin McStay's appointment three years ago.
That's deemed a significant factor in McConville now being so heavily linked with the position.
Club delegates will be updated on the search of a new manager at a county board meeting next Wednesday.
The odds have also narrowed on Andy Moran (5/4) and Austin O'Malley (15/8) getting the job.
In the meantime, the speculation will continue to intensity, even with McConville emerging as the frontrunner by some distance.