KERRY ALL-IRELAND winning coach Cian O’Neill has revealed that he got texts of support from Mayo’s squad last week.
O’Neill worked with Mayo in 2012 when they lost the final to Donegal. Two years on he was part of the Kerry setup that engineered a final day win over the Ulster champions.
But despite Kerry having defeated Mayo in the recent All-Ireland semi-final, Mayo’s players still got in touch to wish O’Neill well. It was a class gesture that the Kildare native appreciated.
“In fairness it came from them. It was great. Andy, Dillo, Keith, Colm Boyle, Mickey Conroy, Enda Varley, brilliant. The texts came in, just wishing me the best.
“Tom Prendergast was fantastic. He sent me a text. Tom has been a huge bedrock of the Mayo setup for the last four years. Obviously the focus is always on James, the manager. Tom has put so much into it. For twice to send a text message just to say well done.
“Straight up, he said it’s not easy. For someone to respect you and say it’s not easy, it’s a sign of the man you know. They’re a great bunch the Mayo guys. I couldn’t say enough about them.”
O’Neill also described ex-manager James Horan as a ‘born winner’ and can see him returning to take the Mayo manager position again at some stage in the future.
“James is a born winner in terms of everything he does, he wants to do it to the best of his ability. He’s a huge drive. People have said to me that they wouldn’t be too surprised if he work with Galway or whatever. I don’t know about that.
“I just think James will be back in Mayo at some stage in the future. Maybe when he comes back it’ll be to get them over the line.”
