Mayo GAA management teams depart their roles
Peadar Gardiner.
Mayo GAA will seek new managers for the U20 and Minor teams following the departures of the current management teams.
U20 football manager Peadar Gardiner has informed Mayo GAA that he is not seeking another term as manager of the county U20 footballers. Peadar completed his two year term this year, having been appointed in August 2023. Peadar informed the board this week that he and his management team have now decided to step away.
A former Mayo GAA senior footballer, Peadar Gardiner was part of Maurice Sheridan’s U20 management team for three years before becoming manager himself two years ago. All-star defender Keith Higgins and former Mayo GAA full-back Ger Cafferkey from Ballina Stephenities 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 GAA U20 footballers defeated Roscommon 2-17 to 4-09 in the Connacht Final this year, a first 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 final on a score line of 2-12 to 0-17.
Statement from Mayo GAA County Board Chairman Seamus Tuohy:
Cathaoirleach of Mayo GAA 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 GAA senior football team and panel,” commented Seamus Tuohy.
Meanwhile, the Mayo GAA minor football joint-management team of David Heaney and Tom Reilly have notified Mayo GAA that they are not seeking another term in charge of the county under 17 footballers, bringing their initial two year term to a close.
David Heaney and Tom Reilly were appointed in August 2023 and had Pat Clarke (Bohola Moy Davitts), Diarmuid Byrne (Castlebar Mitchels) and Brian Kilkelly (Westport) as part of their backroom setup. Ciaran McDonald (Crossmolina Deel Rovers) was also involved in a coaching capacity in year one.
The Mayo minor footballers 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.
Statement from Mayo GAA Chairperson Seamus Tuohy:
Cathaoirleach of Mayo GAA Seamus 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,” commented Seamus Tuohy.
