Former Derry boss Paddy Tally to join Andy Moran’s Mayo backroom team as Armagh legend misses out

Andy Moran’s proposed backroom team includes Tyrone native Paddy Tally and ex-Mayo star Colm Boyle with Crossmaglen and Armagh legend Tony McEntee overlooked for the role

Andy Moran will be proposed as Mayo’s new manager at the next county board meeting.

Moran, 41, was recommended for the position at an executive meeting of the board last night, thus getting the nod over Armagh’s Tony McEntee, who was his main rival for the role.

The 2017 Footballer of the Year, who won eight Connacht championships with Mayo and was on the losing side in six All-Ireland finals, will fill the hot-seat vacated by Kevin McStay – who was controversially ‘relieved of his duties’ in late June.

Moran retired from intercounty football six years ago and became Leitrim’s manager in 2021, guiding them to promotion from Division Four last year, and he also managed Leitrim’s under-20 side last year to a victory in Connacht against Mayo.

Moran spent last season with Monaghan in a coaching capacity, with the Farney County bowing out at the All-Ireland quarter-final stage to Donegal.

Former Kerry coach Paddy Tally, who stepped down as Derry manager a month ago after just one year in the hot-seat, and Moran’s former team-mate Colm Boyle will work alongside the new manager as they look to revitalise the set-up.

Mayo reached the Division 1 final earlier this year, where they lost to Kerry, and they also lost the Connacht final to Galway before a surprise defeat to Cavan proved fatal in the All-Ireland group stages.

In a statement, Mayo GAA confirmed that the process to appoint the next manager ‘has now concluded’, adding: “Following a comprehensive and robust recruitment process, and in line with the appointment guidelines, Mayo GAA will be proposing Andy Moran for ratification as the new Mayo senior football manager at the next meeting of the Mayo GAA county board.

“Andy Moran is one of Mayo’s most decorated and respected former players. He will be supported by a backroom team of Colm Boyle and Paddy Tally.

“Andy Moran and his backroom team bring a wealth of experience from both playing and coaching at the highest levels of inter-county football. Andy Moran has gained management and coaching experience with both Monaghan and Leitrim in recent years.

“Their combined knowledge, leadership and proven track records will be invaluable in driving the continued development and success of Mayo football.

“Mayo GAA would like to sincerely thank all candidates who expressed an interest in the position for their time, commitment and the professionalism they brought to the process. The level of interest and calibre of applicants once again highlights the strength and reputation of Mayo football.

“Mayo GAA looks forward to the formal ratification of Andy Moran and his management team and to beginning an exciting new chapter for the Mayo senior football team.”