James Horan’s Astonishing Return to Mayo Football as Selector and Advisor
After more than a year since stepping down as Mayo’s senior football manager, there are strong indications that James Horan might be preparing for a breathtaking comeback to Mayo football. All eyes will be on tomorrow night’s Mayo County Board meeting, during which the potential appointment of the new Mayo Under-20 manager will be discussed and ratified.
The interviews for the coveted position of Mayo Under-20 manager took place yesterday, with five candidates showcasing their credentials. Among them were Sean Deane from Breaffy, Peadar Gardiner hailing from Crossmolina, Tom Mulderrig representing Moy Davitts, Damien Egan from Bonniconlon, and James Fallon representing Mayo Gaels. Each candidate presented their backroom teams and outlined their strategies for the position.
It was Peadar Gardiner’s backroom team that raised eyebrows, particularly due to the inclusion of former senior inter-county players Keith Higgins and Ger Cafferkey. However, the biggest surprise came in the form of James Horan, who is set to join Gardiner’s team as a selector and advisor, provided Gardiner secures the managerial role.
This unexpected development has certainly left Mayo supporters stunned, as they believed Horan had severed his ties with inter-county football after completing his second term as the senior team manager. Nonetheless, for Horan’s return to fruition, Peadar Gardiner will have to secure the managerial position, which is not guaranteed considering the stiff competition, including Sean Deane, the successful Mayo minor manager for the past three years.
Ultimately, the decision lies with the top brass of the Mayo County Board, who will deliberate and determine the most deserving candidates for the role. The appointment of the Mayo minor manager will also be confirmed during tomorrow night’s county board meeting at 9 p.m.
There is no doubt that James Horan’s potential return to Mayo football has ignited excitement and speculation among fans. As the decision looms, Mayo supporters eagerly await the official confirmation of the new Mayo Under-20 manager and the subsequent developments that may unfold under the guidance of Horan, should Gardiner emerge victorious. Only time will reveal the outcome, and until then, the Mayo County Board’s decision promises to keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
