Below read the full report on the investigation into the state of Mayo Ladies Football

Conclusions

Having taken submissions from many clubs, players, former players, club officials, parents, former managers and county board officials, we conclude that Ladies Gaelic Football is in a healthy state in Mayo.  All contributors were loud in their praise of the current County Board for their running of the affairs in the county.  Club competitions and fixtures have improved immensely under the present administration.  Under age county teams are also thriving which is borne out by their achievements this year.  The major area of concern is with the senior county team.  In saying this, everyone to whom we spoke was of the opinion that Mayo Ladies senior team can be successful and bring more honours to the county.

A number of reasons were put forward for the failure to hold on to managers over the years but the majority by far felt that the problem lay with a few of the more senior players who constantly tried to exercise control over the team.  It was said that this should have been tackled some years ago, when one manager left, but it was let carry on and managers preferred to leave rather than rock the boat. This situation was exasperated by the poor procedures adopted by the County Board in the appointment of managers.  The clubs attending county board in the current year were fed up with senior team problems at county board meetings and decided to deal with the matter and bring the issue to a head.  This led to the withdrawal of the team from the championship.  Practically all said the issue won’t be resolved until a manager is appointed who will deal with the players involved, if needed, and that such a manager must receive the full backing of county board. 

Recommendations

1.   A manager needs to be put in place as soon as possible and that this manager is given at least two years contract, subject to review after year one.  It is recommended that Central Council or another independent body should assist the County Board in appointing a manager.

2.  An agreed liaison officer must be appointed to keep all sides informed of ongoing developments.

3.  A full back up team including physio, coach and selectors must also be appointed.  It is recommended that a selector be appointed from each geographical region in the county i.e., north, south, east and west.

4.  Managers, selectors, liaison officer etc must have their roles and duties clearly defined.

5. The incoming management team, including physio and Liaison Officer must attend

  a county mentor workshop organised by Central Council.

6.  All sides must buy into the philosophy that:

        (a)    Players play

        (b)    Managers manage

(c)          County Board administers football affairs in the county.

7. The incoming team Management should set up dialogue with players who have withdrawn from the panel or who do not wish to join the panel because of the intimidation factor. These fears must be allayed and they should be reassured about their welcome to the squad.

8.  A code of conduct should be drawn up by Central Council for all persons involved in Ladies Gaelic Football.  This should be along the lines of the codes contained in the Code of Ethics.

9.  We recommend the holding of a Club Officer programme in the county.

10.  A Volunteer recruitment program should be run.

Finally we would like to restate our thanks to all contributors for their submissions to us and we hope that our suggestions which have been made in the spirit of reconciliation will assist Mayo LGFA to move forward with all  footballing activity within the county and we wish all members of the LGFA  in Mayo continued success in the future.