O’Mahony confirmed as Mayo
manager
 By Graham
Clifford
After weeks of speculation John O’Mahony was unveiled as Mayo manager
on Monday evening.
Confident that he can handle one of the most demanding managerial positions
in the GAA and a sprouting political career the Ballaghadereen clubman
has returned to his native county after successful spells with neighbours
Galway and Leitrim.
O’Mahony — who will run as a Fine Gael candidate in next year’s
General Election — was the County Board’s preferred option
since his predecessor Mickey Moran parted company with the Connacht champions.
In managerial terms O’Mahony’s pedigree is unrivalled in Connacht.
He led Galway to All-Ireland glory in 1998 and 2001 and against all odds
delivered the Provincial title to Leitrim in 1994.
His first Championship test will come against Galway with the eventual
victors playing the winners of the game between London and Leitrim.
But before that O’Mahony will get the chance to discover his preferred
starting 15 via the National League.
The big question though is can he successfully juggle such a job with
his political career?
O’Mahony obviously thinks it’s possible and Mayo supporters
in both Ireland and Britain will be delighted that a man with such a curriculum
vitae has returned to try to end the famine.
Writing in his regular column in the Western People recently O’Mahony
explained why he is accepting the position now while he turned down similar
offers in the past.
He said: “My circumstances have changed since declining the offer
to become Mayo manager last year. I have retired from teaching. This is
a new year and any approach [from the County Board] would be considered.”
While it was expected that a number of the more senior players on the
Mayo panel might have joined others heading into retirement O’Mahony’s
appointment will have given the county a much-needed lift after this year’s
annihilation at the hands of Kerry in the All-Ireland final.
O’Mahony himself brought Mayo to an All-Ireland final in 1989 only
to be defeated by Cork.
In 2007 the defending Connacht Champions will believe that they can go
one better than this year. With O’Mahony at the helm anything is
possible.
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