Mayo on the lookout for new Under 20 and Under 17 football managers
The Mayo GAA Under 20 and Under 17 football team managers have informed the county board that they are not seeking another term.
The Under 20 manager, Peadar Gardiner, completed his two-year term this year having been appointed in August 2023. He informed the board this week that he and his management team have now decided to step away.
Likewise, the Under 17 (minor) joint-management team of David Heaney and Tom Reilly have notified Mayo GAA that they are not seeking another term in charge, bringing their initial two-year term to a close.
Gardiner, a former Mayo senior footballer, was part of Maurice Sheridan’s Under 20 management team for three years before becoming manager himself two years ago. All-star defender Keith Higgins and former Mayo full-back Ger Cafferkey were part of his backroom team, along with Kilmeena’s Mark Ryan. James Horan also played an advisory role with Gardiner in his first year as manager.
The Mayo Under 20s defeated Roscommon 2-17 to 4-09 in the Connacht final this year to claim a first provincial title since 2018. Louth ended their championship run in May at the semi-final stage when they scored a dramatic late winner to advance to the decider on a scoreline of 2-12 to 0-17.
The Mayo GAA County Board cathaoirleach, Seamus Tuohy, thanked Peader and his backroom team for their dedication and commitment to Mayo GAA. “I would like to thank Peader and his backroom team for their work developing these players, many of whom have gone on to make the Mayo senior football team and panel,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Heaney and Reilly were appointed in August 2023 and had Pat Clarke (Moy Davitts), Diarmuid Byrne (Castlebar Mitchels) and Brian Kilkelly (Westport) as part of their backroom set-up. Ciaran McDonald (Crossmolina Deel Rovers) was also involved in a coaching capacity in year one.
The Mayo minors were defeated in the Connacht final this year by Roscommon but bounced back to reach the All-Ireland semi-final, narrowly losing out to Kerry in a dramatic game that ended 1-19 to 3-10.
Again, Mr. Tuohy extended his appreciation to the outgoing management team, commending their dedication and commitment to developing up and coming players in the county.
“I want to sincerely thank David and Tom and their entire backroom team for the positive impact they’ve had on so many young GAA players in the county. I have no doubt their coaching influence over the past two years will continue to benefit these young players with their clubs in the months ahead,” he commented.
Mayo GAA will seek nominations from the GAA clubs in the county in the coming weeks to fill the vacant Under 20 and Under 17 management position.