Fresh twist in race to be next Mayo U20 manager
David Brady. Picture: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
The race for the position of Mayo U20 football manager has taken a fresh twist after two more individuals have put the names forward for the role.
When contacted by the yesterday (Monday) afternoon, Mayo GAA said that the ‘process of filling all management positions is progressing’ and that they were ‘not in a position to release the names of the applicants or interview dates.’
Last week, the reported that Mayo senior football manager John Maughan was the sole nominee, but it appears another two legendary figures have declared their interest in the role, who are understood to be Ballina’s David Brady and Ballyhaunis’ Keith Higgins.
Brady enjoyed a stellar career with club and county. He helped his club win the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 2005 and with Mayo, he won five Connacht SFC titles and the 2001 National League Division 1 title. He also played in three All-Ireland SFC finals with Mayo in 1996, 2004 and 2006.
He also has pedigree in management, having guided Rathoath to the Meath senior football title in 2022.
Higgins is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in the history of Mayo football. A four-time All-Star, he won eight Connacht senior titles, the 2019 National League, and played in six All-Ireland SFC finals. He also won an All-Ireland U21 title in 2006.
The Ballyhaunis man is also a distinguished hurler with Mayo. As well as a Connacht and Mayo All-Ireland Junior title, he won the Railway Cup with Connacht in 2024, was a Christy Ring All-Star in 2008 and won two Nicky Rackard Cup titles.
He remains an active player in club football and hurling, recently lining out for the Ballyhaunis footballers last Friday evening in the Mayo SFC against Garrymore.
