Former Mayo manager appointed to top third-level sporting role

Former Mayo Ladies senior manager Frank Browne has been appointed Head of Ladies Football at University College Dublin.

This is a new and exciting role for the Wexford native who has made Ballyhaunis his home for many years. Browne has had a hugely interesting sporting life uniquely transitioning across inter-county boundaries, codes, and genders as both an accomplished dual player and a prolific modern manager in football, hurling and Ladies Football.

Most recently, he managed Westmeath Ladies to back-to-back Leinster Intermediate titles and has also had stints with Longford hurling, Dublin camogie, Leitrim Ladies, Mayo hurlers and Mayo Ladies.

Famously, he led Mayo Ladies to two All-Ireland senior finals, in 2007 and 2017 during two stints with the Green and Red.

The man who started his sporting journey with his native Faythe Harriers in Wexford Town and later hurled with Tooreen and then Ballyhaunis, announced his new position this morning and expressed his delight at the challenge awaiting him.

“After more than 20 years working in female high-performance sport, this is an opportunity that means a huge amount to me, but it’s not really about the title. It’s about the players. It’s about creating an environment where young women can become better footballers, grow in confidence, succeed academically, enjoy their university experience and, most importantly, enjoy their sport.

“We have big ambitions at UCD — to build sustainable structures, compete consistently at the highest level and challenge for the O’Connor Cup. But I want us to build something that goes beyond results. Sport should create joy, friendships, belonging, confidence and memories that last long after the medals have gathered dust. I’m incredibly grateful to UCD for the opportunity and excited to begin this next chapter with the players, coaches and wider UCD community. There is plenty of work ahead. Let’s see what we can build to.”