Michael solan appointed mayo under 21 manager

AT tonight's Mayo GAA County Board meeting, held in Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar, Ballaghaderreen's Michael Solan was ratified as the new Mayo Under 21 manager.

The 32-year-old takes over from Niall Heffernan, who held the position for the past two years.

Solan is no stranger to Gaelic football management as he managed his club Ballaghaderreen's senior side in 2013.

A former Mayo minor player, Michael is a brother of Barry Solan, who was the Mayo senior squad strength and conditioning coach this year and who was also appointed to the coaching staff of English Premier League side Arsenal earlier this summer.

Michael, who played at all levels for his club Ballaghaderreen, including the Moclair Cup-winning sides in 2008 and 2012, was one of three candidates interviewed for the position.

With the Hastings Cup set get underway early in the new year and with the Connaught Under 21 championship starting in March, Solan and his management side will get straight into selecting a panel of players. This squad is expected to feature many of the Mayo minor team which captured the All-Ireland title in 2013.