O’Mahony exits with ‘no issues’

DAVE O’MAHONY has stepped down as Dolphin head coach, describing his time in charge of the AIB League Division One club as “a magnificent journey”.

He also dismissed speculation player-power was at the root of his exit from the famous Cork club.

The former Ireland international scrum-half spent five years in charge, leading them to within a whisker of the play-offs this season.

Armed with small resources, O’Mahony was instrumental in helping cement Dolphin’s Top Eight status ahead of the newly-formatted AIB Division 1A league that comes into effect from next season.

“I felt it was time I had a change and time to give it a break,” said O’Mahony. “I have an important job at Bank of Scotland, a young family, and at this point I felt it was a good opportunity to move on.

“I’d like to thank the great people who helped me from the very beginning — people like Peter Scott and Paul Buckley, and this year Steve Forde and John O’Sullivan and all the players down through the years.”

O’Mahony has dismissed speculation player-power led to his resignation.

“No, at this point I don’t think that was an issue. This is a decision I came to myself. There does come a time perhaps when managers and coaches have a certain shelf life. I’m happy with the decision. I’m sure my coaching days are not finished. I’ll keep involved in the game in some way.

“I think it’s important to note the players have always performed brilliantly for me. I’ve never had any issue with the players in Dolphin. Things like this pale into comparison with what happened to Tomás (O’Leary) on Friday night.

“The level of commitment and honesty that has been shown by the players and by the club is something I’m very proud in the five years I was involved. Hopefully that will continue.”

O’Mahony’s assistant this season, Steve Ford, is expected to take over as head coach.