Old wounds influenced O’Mahony’s Mayo decision

JOHN O’MAHONY’S decision not to take charge of Mayo next season was “partly influenced” by the controversial events of 14 years ago when he left the post in a dispute over the appointment of his selectors.

It was widely anticipated that the former Galway boss would succeed John Maughan for the 2006 season but O’Mahony turned down an approach from the Mayo board to take over for a second spell with his native county.

“I wanted to continue my involvement in 1991 when I had issues with people in the County Board but I don’t want to start dragging up those past difficulties,” O’Mahony told the Western People.

“The current principal officers weren’t in their positions at that time and I respect where they’re coming from now, but obviously the issues of that time would still have partly influenced my decision.”

O’Mahony revealed that the decision was very much touch and go as to whether he would return to the rigours of inter-county management only 12 months after stepping off the merry-go-round.

“Everyone presumed that I was going to come back after one year, and, maybe, at times, I presumed that myself. But as time went on I had lots to consider like, among other things, my family and my teaching commitments. When I put all those things into the mix I came to the conclusion that I’d take some more time out.”

He said he hoped that Mayo fans would understand his reasons and didn’t rule out the possibility of returning some time in the future.

Meanwhile, the question as to who will manage Meath next season took an interesting turn when it was revealed that Martin Barry had been nominated for the post by the St Patrick’s club.

A brother of Eamonn, who has stood against Sean Boylan the last two years and is to do so again, Martin led Meath to junior Leinster and All-Ireland honours two years ago. However, those successes were overshadowed by a long and complicated bitter feud with the county board over the inclusion of a player in his panel, the end result of which was a 12-month ban for the manager.

Though former stalwarts like Colm Coyle and Gerry McEntee are also among the nine nominees, it will be Monday evening before the full list is known for sure.

After that, the interview process begins and it is envisaged that the manager for 2006 will be announced on September 5th. Colm Coyle is the favourite to replace Boylan.