Kilcoo legend bids farewell

Kilcoo legend bids farewell

KILCOO bid an emotional farewell to “father figure” Mickey Moran after he stepped down from his role as manager on Monday.

The 69 year-old leaves the helm after a defining spell in which he fulfilled the club’s dream of becoming All-Ireland champions.

Since his appointment in November 2018, he has led the club to two All-Ireland finals – one of which they were defeated in extra-time by Galway champions Corofin – as well as winning three county championship titles and two Ulster titles.

“We will always be indebted to Mickey,” said club secretary Seamus O’Hanlon.

“The first thing is that we’ll wish him a very long and happy retirement.

“Our players had the best relationship you could possibly imagine with Mickey. He was like a father figure to the players in Kilcoo and we’re sorry to see him go.”

Moran’s assistant managers Conleith Gilligan and Richie Thornton have now been appointed as joint-bosses for the season ahead.

The former Magpies manager informed the Kilcoo players of his departure on an emotional evening on Monday, as the club were looking forward to regroup after enjoying a short break following their All-Ireland success.

After contacting club chairman Roger Morgan, a meeting was made with the players to allow the man with now legendary status around the village to say his goodbyes.

“The players were all there,” said club PRO Michael Kane. 

“Even the ones that were away were involved through zoom to be part of it. It was an emotional evening.

“It wasn’t totally unexpected, we thought it was coming but Mickey decided that he wanted to go out at the top and he thanked the club for everything,” he continued. 

“He had so much good to say about the players and their attitude and commitment.”

He added: “Taking the travelling involved and his recent health scares, we totally respect his decision and we’re forever grateful for what he’s brought to our club.”

For Moran, his crowning moment lifting the All-Ireland trophy at Croke Park finally brought closure to his search to be on the winning side of a national decider.

The Derry-native has had managerial roles at Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Mayo which included losing in All-Ireland finals with Mayo in 2006, Slaughtneil in 2015 and 2017, and the previously mentioned 2020 final with Kilcoo.

However, he finally held aloft the elusive Andy Merrigan Cup on the steps of the Dublin venue alongside his joint-captains Conor Laverty and Aidan Branagan just three weeks ago.

The stepping away from the role may indicate Moran’s decision to retire permanently, but it is unknown if that is completely the case at this time.

However, if Moran does decide to finally call it a day on his managerial career, he will no doubt be remembered throughout the sport as one of the most well respected and memorable coaches in recent history.

“We’re delighted for him that he can go out at the top and he got a guard of honour from our players as he travelled out the lane,” said Kane.

“He’ll forever go down as a legend with the respect he has among the people in Kilcoo.”