James Horan: Mickey Harte’s longevity at inter-county level is remarkable
NEW BEGINNINGS: New Derry manager Mickey Harte's longevity is 'remarkable' according to former Mayo manager James Horan. Pic: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
Former Mayo manager James Horan believes Mickey Harte’s ability to persevere in the volatile world of inter-county management is a remarkable achievement.
Heading into 2024, at least 11 counties in the All-Ireland senior football championship will have new bosses at the helm. Three-time All-Ireland winning manager Harte is the latest change after he made a surprise switch from Louth to Derry. The other nine who will have new managers are Cavan, Donegal, Clare, Limerick, Offaly, Laois, Waterford, Tipperary, and New York.
Speaking on the Irish Examiner Gaelic football podcast, Horan said his initial reaction to the Harte news was one of confusion.
“I don’t know. I don’t get it,” he said.
“Trying to put myself in, I actually don’t get it. You try to reflect on it and think about the reason or rationale. I can understand Louth, going there building and developing. He was successful in that. But to go then to Derry, arch-rivals and all that stuff, I find it strange. Part of me wonders, Mickey wouldn’t be human, did he leave Tyrone the way he wanted? On his terms? I’m not sure he did.
“Is that part of his motivation? Maybe. You didn’t want me, wait until you see what I can do with someone else. I don’t know. I am only speculating. There is something maybe in that. Look at his record. What he is doing, how long he is managing at the top level in a crazy game is some achievement.”
Horan had two stints as Mayo senior manager, from 2010 to 2014 and 2018 to 2022. It was recently confirmed he will be on the ticket of new Mayo U20 manager Peadar Gardiner.
When pressed, Horan also revealed several counties contacted him during the off-season.
“Five. I won’t name them. The amount of churn now is unbelievable. It is becoming a harder game that fewer want to take on. You are starting to see fewer people go into it and recycling of managers, it is such a tough gig with the pressure, expectation, scrutiny. There are a lot of counties now looking for someone with experience. That might be why I was contacted by a few.”
However, he did not seriously consider taking any senior inter-county role.
“No. Absolutely not. Just where I am after two stints with Mayo. That is why Mickey Harte, the energy and drive and everything has to be set up in life, it is very difficult. Mickey doing it the length he is doing it at inter-county level is phenomenal for me.”
