Buckley to replace O'Neill as Mayo coach

In what is seen by many as an astute piece of business, Mayo have secured the services of Donie Buckley as their senior football team coach for the 2013 campaign.

The Castleisland man will link up with the Connacht champions as a direct replacement for Cian O'Neill who, just a week ago, was announced as Kerry's new coach.

Buckley is highly respected in GAA circles for his coaching qualities and techniques and is a much sought-after trainer, having working with the Clare, Limerick and Kerry footballers in the last six years.

Mayo manager James Horan told the Irish Examiner: "This will take Mayo football onto a new level. Donie is an outstanding coach. He is ideal man for us at this stage of our development.

"I know that the players will learn a lot from working with him. We're looking to progress and develop all the time and this is a great step forwards.

"Donie is excited about working with us and we're excited about working with him - we can't wait to get started."

Alan Dillon, one of Mayo's All-Star nominees this season, said the appointment is 'great news' for the 2012 All-Ireland runners-up.

Buckley, who is based in Ennis, was part of the Kingdom management team under Jack O'Connor until he reportedly left the set-up before the start of this summer's Championship.

Most recently, he has been training Dr. Crokes in their bid to pull off a three in-a-row of Kerry SFC titles - they face Dingle in next Sunday's final in Tralee.

The new inter-county positions for Buckley and O'Neill will certainly add some extra spice to the Allianz League opener between Mayo and Kerry in Castlebar next February.