All-Ireland winning boss set for new chapter with Mayo club
The young upcoming manager will be working with an exciting young team who will be among the contenders in the intermediate championship
In recent weeks, All-Ireland winning manager Brian Benson departed his role from the Crossmolina senior team.
Now, the Crossmolina native has a new job as he has been named manager of Balla.
Benson previously managed his native club across a period of six years while the North Mayo club enjoyed a successful spell. A former Crossmolina player who hung up his boots in 2020 stepped in as management in 2021 and brought success along the way.
The men from St Tiernan’s Park went all the way in 2024 becoming intermediate champions of Mayo defeating Moy Davitts in the decider. Benson’s troops also secured Connacht glory before overcoming Derry’s Ballinderry in the All-Ireland final in early 2025.
In the past two seasons, Crossmolina impressed in the senior championship with the likes of Jordan Flynn, Conor Loftus, Kobe McDonald, Dylan Flynn and further young players leading the charge. In 2025, the North Mayo men reached the semi-final before losing out to Westport while this season saw Garrymore eliminate the men from the banks of the River Deel in the quarter-final.
Now, in 2027, Benson, a young and upcoming manager will lead the men from Nally Park. Relegated last season from the senior ranks, Balla will be amongst the leading contenders in the intermediate championship while the West Mayo club having enjoyed recent underage success while Balla Secondary School have also impressed with the school last season winning a Connacht title.
Benson replaces Alan Nolan and Declan Sweeney who have been in charge of Balla for the past four seasons.