John Maughan’s new challenge

The learning curve

St Gerald’s have drafted in John Maughan to help

Mike Finnerty
Sports Editor

When the Department of Education implemented a range of sweeping cutbacks last year, every school suffered. All were forced to make tough decisions about their sporting commitments, but some were more fortunate than others.
In the likes of St Colman’s, Claremorris, the presence of Vinnie Walsh and Danny McHugh meant that the reigning Connacht Colleges Senior ‘A’ football champions were in safe hands.
Meanwhile, in Castlebar, some football men in the area were contacted by St Gerald’s and asked if they could lend a hand with training teams and giving their time. People like Paul Jordan, Jim O’Shea and Frank McHale signed up.
Joe McCabe, St Gerald’s long-serving coach, and the manager of their senior squad, also approached former Mayo manager, John Maughan.
Along with Sean Burke and Tom Naughton, the duo have helped guide the Castlebar school to next Sunday’s semi-final.
In the search for inches, and with a yearning to win back the Aonghus Murphy Cup, Maughan’s recruitment could turn out to be a masterstroke.
“I’m only involved in a very peripheral role,” the Crossmolina manager told The Mayo News last week. “I’m a runner really, like TJ Kilgallon was with the Irish International Rules team a few years ago,” he smiled.
“But I’ve been very pleasantly surprised. They’re very engaging, pleasant lads and they love their football. I’ve been very impressed with their attitude, dedication and discipline.
“There’s a huge shortage of teachers involved in team sports all over the country and a lack of financial support means that teachers just simply can’t get involved with teams now.
“From a work point of view, during the week doesn’t really suit me but I train with Joe and the lads on a Sunday morning and it has worked well for us so far.”
McCabe, Maughan and company have a wealth of talent at their disposal. The pick of the crop come from last year’s Mayo minor team with Danny Geraghty, Danny Kirby, Fergal Durkan and Cillian O’Connor, their blue-chip forward, all on board.
“Cillian is a fine young talent,” admitted John Maughan. “He’s very well-balanced, and is a clever, intelligent footballer. If he stays injury-free, I’ve no doubt that he’ll play senior football for Mayo. He’s strong for his age, has great guile, and has everything you need to be a top-class forward.
“Danny Geraghty, a nephew of Ger, is a real chip off the old block too. He’s a fine, big, strong Ballintubber man and a great guy to have in your team. Danny Kirby and Fergal Durkan are two very important players for us too.”
Next Sunday is a huge game for St Gerald’s. It presents them with a chance to make up for the disappointment of losing last year’s final to the same opposition (at the same venue) and John Maughan is fully aware of the prize on offer next weekend.
“It’s terrific to see three Mayo colleges in the semi-finals and going about their business properly,” he said. “Playing in the Senior ‘A’ championship is a great opportunity for young footballers to test themselves and improve.
“St Colman’s are going to be a massive test for us. They have a great tradition, they’re the defending champions, and they’ve been putting in a massive effort. I’m only involved with St Gerald’s in a very peripheral way but I enjoy it and, if I can make even 1% of a difference, I’ll be delighted.”

Fixture
Connacht Colleges Senior ‘A’ FC semi-final
St Colman’s v St Gerald’s

Sunday, February 28
Ballinrobe at 2.30pm
Referee: M Murphy