Schlingermann is back in the Mayo GAA fold

FORMER Mayo minor goalkeepering star Michael Schlingermann from Kiltimagh is back playing Gaelic football following nine years spent in professional soccer.

Schlingermann was the Mayo minor goalkeeper in 2009 when the county reached the All-Ireland final only to be beaten by Armagh by 0-10 to 0-7.

Such was his performances between the posts for his county, the Kiltimagh clubman was immediately snapped up by FAI League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers where he was given a soccer contract.

Schlingermann, who also played for Athlone Town, Monaghan United and Droheda United before returning to the Showgrounds in 2016, performed at the highest level in Irish soccer and was regarded as one of the best 'keepers in the League of Ireland. Indeed, in the 2015 Irish soccer season he was voted the goalkeeper of the year.

Now, after finishing up with Sligo some weeks back, Schlingermann is back playing Gaelic football for his native Kiltimagh.

This is not alone good news for Kiltimagh as they prepare for rounds two and three of the Mayo intermediate club championship at the end of the month, but also for Mayo.

With a new Mayo senior management team set to be unveiled in the coming weeks, be it with Stephen Rochford or someone else at the helm, the news that Schlingermann is back playing Gaelic football will give them more options for the number one spot in the team.

At present David Clarke is the number one Mayo 'keeper with Robert Hennelly as the number two.

However, along with up and coming young Westport goalkeeper Paddy O'Malley, and Schlingermann, the Mayo management will be spoiled for choice when it comes to the goalkeeping duties.