Mayo football is looking for new managers for both the minor and u20 teams for the upcoming season, following the decision by Tomás Morley to step down as minor manager last weekend.
He followed in the footsteps of Michael Solan who had stepped away from his role as u20 manager last year following a successful stint as both u21 and lately u20 manager with the county, which saw him guide Mayo to an All Ireland u21 title in 2016 and guide the u20 side to an All Ireland final in 2018.
Morley had been in charge of the minor side for three years and last year, his side won the Connacht title, following a dramatic Connacht Final win over Galway, before losing to eventual All Ireland champions, Cork, at All Ireland semi-final stage.
Speaking after stepping down, Morley said: "It has been a privilege to hold the role of Mayo U17 football manager for the past three years, and I am grateful to the Executive for placing their trust in me over this period.
"I have been fortunate, each year, to operate alongside exceptional management and backroom teams – their expertise and dedication to the GAA and to the development of young athletes is to be commended.
"My greatest thanks is reserved for the players who consistently showed levels of commitment, perseverance and maturity that will stand them in good stead in all aspects of their lives.
"Thank you too to their families, clubs, and schools – underage players can only do what they do with the help of a legion of supportive adults.
"I wish the incoming management team and players the very best for 2021. No doubt it will prove to be another exciting year for Mayo GAA."
Paying tribute, Mayo GAA Chairperson Liam Moffatt said: "On behalf of all involved with Mayo GAA, I would like to thank to Tomás and his management team for their hard work and dedication since they undertook the management of our County Minor football squad.
"Working with Inter-County underage teams involves a huge commitment and this year in particular has been extremely challenging for Tomás and his team due to Covid-19.
"Central to Tomás’s philosophy has been the development of players and ensuring that they continued to improve themselves on and off the pitch.
"I have no doubt many of the players that were involved with this age group over the last number of years will continue to represent Mayo in the coming years. Finally I wish Tomás and his family all the best in 2021 and beyond."
The county board is looking for nominations from clubs for both positions, with this evening, Friday, January 8 at 6pm, the deadline for nominations for the u20 position and the following Friday, January 15, the deadline for the minor manager position. All nominations should be sent to the county secretary via email to: [email protected].
