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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Darragh Culhane

Mayo fans say James Horan gave them 'greatest days of our lives' after leaving role

Mayo fans have heaped praise on James Horan after he left his role as boss on Monday.

Last year's beaten All-Ireland finalists were dumped out of the All-Ireland Championship at the hands of Kerry.

The loss meant that it was the first time since 2018 that Mayo did not progress to the All-Ireland semi-finals.

READ MORE : Check out our GAA section here

And Horan opted to stand down in what was his second stint as Mayo boss.

In a statement released jointly by Horan and Mayo GAA, he said: “Now that the season has drawn to a close and my second four-year term as Mayo Senior Football manager has been completed, I am stepping aside from Mayo football.

"It has been a brilliant journey and I feel very lucky to have worked with great players and people during that time. We had some great times and created brilliant memories that will live on.

"The initial focus was to make Mayo football consistently competitive on the main stage, I feel that has been achieved and the senior team have moved in the right direction. Hopefully, there is a strong base for Mayo football to be moved forward to new heights.

"I have worked with some amazing people over the last decade from Support Teams right through, there are too many to mention here, but I will ensure every one of them understands the tremendous contribution they have made to their county.

" Also, the Mayo supporters that followed the team through thick and thin were brilliant and the support we as a team have received over the years has been fantastic."

During his second stint, Horan ended Dublin's Championship undefeated streak to make last year's final as well as making the 2020 final, he also wont he Connacht title in 2020 and 2021.

And fans heaped praise on Horan after new broke of his decision to step down.

One Mayo fan said: "A decent sporting man who more or less took victory and defeat in the same calm way. Nobody expected Mayo to go as well in 20 and 21."

While another said: "Thanks for all you’ve done in the service of Mayo, but especially all the great days you and the team have given us as supporters. Enjoy some well earned time to yourself and with family"

And another added: "Thanks for all the great days James!"

As another said: "James gave us some of the greatest days of our lives. A hard act to follow, thanks for all the great memories James!"

Mayo will begin their search for a new manager with Ray Dempsey and Mike Solan the early favourites to replace Horan.

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