Horan: ‘Management has ups and downs. Every time it was tough, there was a text or call from John’

In 2010, James Horan succeeded John O’Mahony as Mayo manager.

UPS AND DOWNS: Former Mayo manager James Horan. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach, Sportsfile

Former Mayo footballer and manager James Horan has paid tribute to the late John O’Mahony, one of the most influential figures in modern Gaelic football.

As a manager, O’Mahony brought Mayo to a first senior All-Ireland final in 38 years, won a Connacht championship with Leitrim and led Galway to All-Ireland titles in 1998 and 2001.

Speaking on the Irish Examiner’s Gaelic football podcast , Horan explained how his relationship with O’Mahony evolved. First, he played under the Kilmovee native.

“I played under John at U21,” Horan said. “He was the first manager I had. You know the old blast from the past WhatsApp group, that is going heavy over the last couple of days. The general comment is just what an absolute gentleman.

“His integrity and the way he treated every single person was what stood out. That was my first time involved with Mayo, I didn’t play minor. The way he treated me personally, it always stuck with me.” 

O’Mahony helped pave the way for modern management with his attention to detail and opposition analysis.

Former Mayo senior football manager John O'Mahony pictured after his side's 1989 All-Ireland final defeat to Cork. Pic: Henry Wills

“He was ahead of his time I would say in regards to management,” said Horan. “In the late 1980s and early 1990s a lot of management was wild. It was uncontrolled. It was a bit of everything. John was very organised and sincere. He involved people, the players, particularly younger players. He got them speaking and got them going. I took a huge amount from him. He is a huge loss to football.” 

In 2010, Horan succeeded O’Mahony as Mayo manager. He led Mayo to back-to-back All-Ireland football finals in 2012 against Donegal and in 2013 against Dublin.

In 2014, Horan resigned as Mayo manager but returned for a second spell four years later. Throughout both reigns, O’Mahony was in contact.

“When I was Mayo manager, John had a double stint as well. Intercounty management, there is ups and downs. There are tough times and great times. Every time it was tough or we had a defeat, there was always a text or call from John. It might be something small.

"The way he talked and his integrity. You know he meant what he was saying and he knew what he was talking about. It just meant a little more. The timing of it was immaculate. He was just a great fella to a lot of people.”