COLUMN: Mayo says goodbye to sporting icons Danny Dolan and Joe Hennigan

The Legends' Avenue in downtown Heaven got a little more crowded this week when two mighty Mayo sportsmen took up residence.

Joe Hennigan and Danny Dolan moved beyond the clouds over the past few days and left behind rich libraries of memories. The duo were known far and wide for their love of sport, family and the wonderful ordinary things of life.

Danny will forever be associated with the precious red jersey of Garrymore.

He might have climbed into the clouds in the middle of the field for Mayo and marked Brian Mullins in the final of the National League in 1978, but his heart and soul will forever remain in the red number eight jersey.

Danny won six precious county senior titles with his club and famously lifted the Moclair Cup as captain in 1975 and '79.

The big man went on to fill every role in the club and always had a special welcome for guests when they'd arrive in Garrymore. Danny Dolan made a huge impression on the football field but an even bigger one off it.

Sincere condolences to his deeply-cherished family, his wide circle of friends and the sporting love of his life, Garrymore GAA Club.

THE crowds gathered in Killala on Monday to bid farewell to another legendary sportsman, Joe Hennigan. He made a lasting impression and will forever be associated with great boxing occasions locally and across the world.

Joe was born by the Moy and spent much of his life in Killala, but he'll always be associated with Ardnaree Boxing Club. He loved the place and promoted it everywhere he went. He was the main man in Mayo and Connacht boxing circles for many years and passionately supported boxers from this part of the world on the national stage.

CEO APPOINTMENT CONCERNS

Mayo GAA has needed a CEO for many years and at long last there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel.

I, and some others, have long advocated for a professional to take the helm and run the show in a businesslike manner, but it has taken years to get this far.

The prospect of a CEO being given the power to shape the future of Mayo GAA is an intriguing and exciting one.

For years we have looked at the stunning job Willie Ruane is doing at the helm of Connacht Rugby and wished for similar vision and delivery in Mayo GAA. Therefore, news this week that the process is about to get underway is very welcome.

However, I'm very wary as the process for appointing the new person is as clear as mud (a perfect indication of how badly an independent CEO is required).

Are Mayo GAA bringing in a professional company to help find suitable candidates? They certainly should!

Are Mayo GAA bringing in truly independent professionals to direct on how such a pivotal position should be filled? Will independent professionals have any say in who is appointed or will it be an in-house selection?

Lack of transparency is a huge worry. This is a pivotal appointment – the most important ever made in Mayo GAA and it needs to go to the very best person for the very best reasons.

It's too important for the nod-and-wink politics that has mired Mayo GAA for generations. Get this one right!