Andy Moran: Mayo getting better at minding the mavericks

He sorely missed his trusted friend and confidant, John O’Mahony. Another former manager, James Horan, was a valuable sounding board during that difficult spell.

There were moments of encouragement, too. Moran was the last to leave the dressing room after their second defeat of the championship against Tyrone. On the way out, “a prominent ex-Tyrone player” stopped him to praise the quality of the game and offer a tentative prediction.

“He said, ‘I wouldn't be surprised if one of those two teams get to the All-Ireland final,’ and I was kind of looking at him and thinking, ‘Right.’” 

Here they are. As dogged and thrilling as ever. It has been a remarkable campaign for Mayo and their charges. His job is enormous and exhilarating and all-consuming.

“I think it is the same difficulty no matter how much money you have,” he said, speaking at the All-Ireland final press night.

“I'd say the Premier League managers are the same. I'm an addict really if I'm being honest with you.

“It is something when you put your mind in it, I think, mentioning James Horan for the second time, I think he had a great line before where he said, ‘Even when you're not there, you're there.’ I think that's the line.

“This is 24-7 on the phone. When the lads ring you, you've got to answer the phone. You can't be waiting. Like, Charlotte is on about going to see Toy Story 5 for the last six weeks and I said it's not going to happen until this is over.

“You can't be giving up three hours of your day at any time. That's just the way it is. It's 24-7.” 

In their way stand defending champions Kerry. They faced them already this season in the league. It was another painful day. His team were issued with a stark reminder that if you “go after them and try to pressure them and you’re not on your game, they will hammer you.” 

The Kingdom have a distinct philosophy he is trying to embed in the county. Back in November, Moran held a coaching workshop designed for Mayo coaches to improve attacking play. He encouraged the group to allow their players to express themselves, to try things and make mistakes. Otherwise, he warned, Mayo will be in Croke Park again wondering why they never produce a Clifford.

So, what is it that Kerry do so well in this regard? What can they learn from it?

“There is a reason why we produce brilliant wing-backs. Do you know what I'm saying? There is a reason why most of our young players want to play number 5 or number 7. You get loads of ball, you get to run, it's all in front of you. That is the way we like to play football.

“But in Kerry they revere the 13, and they revere the fella that comes around the corner and can kick the points. And they don't give out to him; and they understand at 14, 15 that he can be a tiny bit lazy and he can be a tiny bit quirky and mavericky, where we would probably in the past have looked down on that sort of person.

“I think we're getting better at it. I think we as a county, Mayo are getting better at it. Kerry just really revere that sort of player, and if that is the person you revere – it is like the number 10 in Argentina.” 

This is why he is opposed to the ‘one hop, one solo’ constraints. The maverick needs freedom. He coached Pearce Hanley when he used to take off and run the length of the field. In Sligo IT, he saw Christy Toye line out at full-back against the wind and just drive out. Don’t stifle that instinct.

That mindset is slowly changing. Darragh Beirne was allowed to play in his own style for the U20s. He believes they got better with Kobe McDonald too. The Crossmolina wonderkid has been magnificent in his debut season, before he heads to the AFL.

Part of the thrill that comes with his current gig is watching their development. On the Wednesday before the semi-final win over Louth, Moran eventually had to run a hardcore off the pitch. They stayed on after training, trying everything. Kicking frees and 45s, practising to perform.

It is put to Moran whether there is any chance of a wealthy backer intervening to find McDonald employment in the county and persuade him to stay. His answer is typically empathetic.

“I don't think that is it. It is the professional athlete point of view. You know, you have the chance to go and do this for your life and to be part of that.

“So I'm never going to talk a young fella out of doing that. It's his choice. Will I put the other option in play? Of course you will. Of course you're trying to do that.

“But, I have a great relationship with his dad, an unbelievable relationship with his dad, I'm very grateful for them to play this year at senior football and we're just absolutely delighted to have the young kid.” 

There is a perfectly plausible version of Sunday’s decider that sees the favourites prevail and McDonald depart to St Kilda for the next decade. Nothing in sport is ever that straightforward. The challenge is to appreciate what you have right now and embrace this rare opportunity. There was once a young Dublin footballer who looked destined for a long career in Australia only to return and enjoy a glittering career with his county. Anything is possible.

“Well, it wasn't to be for Ciarán Kilkenny, he was gone,” said Moran, holding his arms out wide. “So who knows? I won't write his script, let's wait and see.”