Assurances given over appointment of new Mayo GAA supremo

by John Melvin

Club representatives have been assured by Mayo GAA County Board that they will be afforded the opportunity to ratify the appointment of James Horan’s successor before an appointment is made.

The appointment process gets underway tomorrow (Monday).

Board chairman Seamus Touhy has pointed out that no decision will be taken on the appointment of a new manager without the endorsement of the clubs through their board delegates.

The Mayo board is determined to adhere to the principles set down by former chairman Liam Moffatt, who was very strong on transparency and accountability in respect of these matters.

Clubs in the county will be asked to put forward nominees, while the board is also to set up a working committee to look over the document which had been drawn up in the past in relation to county managerial appointments and the procedures therein.

The sub-committee will also be meeting James Horan to see if he has any input to make, and that should make for an interesting conversation.

The chairman has categorically denied that he had personally agreed a two-year extension to James Horan’s contract.

"There absolutely no discussion between me and James Horan or anyone else about any contract extension. There never a discussion, absolutely no discussion," he said.

"It is time now for the clubs to reflect on where the county is at and consider the options," Mr. Tuohy said.

"We want to build on what we have achieved and step forward. There is a great bunch of players coming through and it is important we keep them on the right journey."

One thing the chairman was very clear on: "The appointment of a new manager will not be decided on social media."