Mayo rugby club announce former player as head coach for new season

The new rugby season is quickly coming down the track for Mayo's clubs, and three of Ballina's most decorated former players have assumed command of coaching the club's senior squad for the 2025/26 campaign.

The new coaching team is led by Mickey Murphy and includes Richard Morrow and Aiden McNulty. The trio have represented Ballina RFC at senior rugby over 1000 times and have assumed their new roles with a great sense of energy and anticipation.

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In recent seasons, the Moysiders have been well-served by coaches from outside the club, but that has changed dramatically now with Murphy, Morrow, and McNulty being graduates of famous mini and youth rugby teams in Heffernan Park.

They have all represented Ballina RFC and Connacht with distinction and are extremely enthusiastic about their new roles. The Moysiders were relegated from the All-Ireland League in 2024 and took time to find their feet back in the junior grade last season, but there's a new sense of excitement in their ranks this year.

Chairman of Ballina RFC, Alan Rowe, said the new management team is steeped in the history of the club.

“On the pitch, these were three of the most inspirational and uncompromising players that Ballina ever produced, and their performances coincided with one of our most successful eras.

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“We know Mickey, Richard, and Aiden will bring that steely determination and vast experience allied with tactical nous to their training sessions, which will be full of energy. Exciting times await all of us, and everyone in the club wish the lads and the squad the very best of luck in their exciting endeavours.