Former Mayo star Ciaran McDonald has been drafted into James Horan’s management team for the coming season.
McDonald represented the county at senior level from 1994 to 2008 and played in three All-Ireland finals, each of them losses to Kerry, though he remains one of Mayo’s most treasured footballers given his mesmerising footballing ability.
His appointment represents a much-needed good news story for the county in the midst of a tumultuous period as Croke Park has had to get involved in a standoff between the county board and the Mayo GAA International Supporters Foundation, which is withholding funds from the board.
A county board statement said that McDonald will “work closely with James Burke in a coaching capacity and will support the development of the players in a football context”.
Team manager Horan commented: “I am really delighted to welcome Ciaran into the support team of Mayo GAA. He brings a wealth of experience, vision and skill to our coaching set up and this will also fit in very well with the development phase we are currently in with this senior squad.
“Eleven years on from his last senior appearance for Mayo, Ciaran is still being acknowledged nationally as one of the finest exponents of the modern era.
“He is also a player’s player – someone who made his own opportunities on the field of play, creating some outstanding moments and demonstrating great flair, fitness, endurance and individual talent.”
Commenting on his appointment, McDonald said: “I am really delighted to have been invited by James to join his back-room team.
“I really admire the work being done behind the scenes and the highly professional way in which James is moving it forward. I am excited about both the approach and potential of these talented players over the coming years.”
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