James Horan: ‘There is madness at the minute. There are so many reviews. There is so much unrest’

New Kildare boss Brian Flanagan. Pic: Laszlo Geczo

The rising demands on intercounty managers have led to another hectic off-season, according to former Mayo manager James Horan.

At least 11 counties will enter the 2025 season with new management at the helm. They are Tyrone, Monaghan, Derry, Kildare, Longford, Meath, Westmeath, Offaly, Leitrim, Carlow and New York. 

Speaking on the Irish Examiner  Gaelic football podcast, Horan said he saw the role change during his time in Mayo.

The former Mayo boss led his native county to back-to-back All-Ireland football finals in 2012 against Donegal and in 2013 against Dublin. In 2014, he resigned but returned for a second spell four years later.

“There is madness at the minute,” said Horan.

“There is more happening. There are so many reviews. There is so much unrest. There is so much noise. It is not a settled time at all. I think it is getting crazier every year. I remember when I started after coming in 2011, it was brilliant. Social media wasn’t what it was. Expectation wasn’t what it was, the demands weren’t there.

“It was a brilliant time. A privilege and honour to be involved. I got a second chance then and in those four years, the difference was phenomenal. I don’t know if pressure is the right word but the intensity around it, the noise around players, the system, the setup. 

"It was a completely different vibe. Different and more difficult.

“The intercounty manager is a tough gig now. I sense there are fewer people willing to put themselves forward. Because of time, the impact on family, yourself, your mental well-being, your job, the impact is total. 

"There are fewer people who meet that profile now. It is getting tougher for managers.” 

The all-consuming nature of the gig is apparent. Horan was asked if it is currently possible to work a full-time job and be an intercounty manager.

“I don’t think it is. What is needed now, the coordination, the time, the prep, the one-on-ones, the backroom team, the key stakeholders that need to be part of it, it is an industry now. You as manager are central to it.

“You are dealing with 40 players or with academies with a player pathway to make it sustainable, to do all of that properly with expectations players rightfully have, they are ambitious and want the right setup and the best chance to be successful. 

"For an intercounty manager starting out his work career, the impact on that would be huge.” 

He continued: “To answer your question, the commitment and time needed, it is absolutely full-time. That is why you’ve seen retired people go into intercounty management.”