Andy Moran Keeps Mayo All-Ireland Winning Management Team for Sam Maguire Defense
Andy Moran’s Mayo All-Ireland SFC winning management team will return en bloc for the defense of the Sam Maguire Cup next season, according to county board announcements. Paddy Tally, Colm Boyle, and Keith Higgins will again assist Moran in 2027 following a first season in charge that delivered championship success.
Paddy Tally and Backroom Continuity for Mayo GAA
Mayo represents the third All-Ireland winning team that Tyrone native Paddy Tally has coached, following stints with Tyrone in 2003 and Kerry in 2022, according to official records. Tally, a former Derry and Down manager who also coached Down to the 2010 All-Ireland final, was announced alongside Colm Boyle as an assistant when Moran was handed a three-year term in August 2025. Higgins spent his first season in charge primarily focused on the U20s, guiding them to top the Connacht SFC group table with four wins before a narrow extra-time defeat to Roscommon in April, after which he linked up with Moran’s senior setup.
Did you know? Paddy Tally has now coached three different counties to All-Ireland success, bringing rare pedigree to Andy Moran’s backroom team ahead of the 2027 championship.
Balancing Post-Season Celebrations and Pre-Season Training
Managing the celebratory circuit while preparing a training load for late January remains a central challenge for the management team, according to Andy Moran. Speaking last month, Moran noted the unique demands placed on an All-Ireland winning outfit. “Your mind switches very, very quickly,” Moran said, pointing to team holidays, All-Stars, and global trophy tours. “What winning the All-Ireland does that losing the All-Ireland never did was (wonder) what receptions are on next week? Where do people want the cup around the world? Team holidays, All-Stars.”
Moran emphasized the compressed timeline required to get players ready for the National League’s final week in January. The squad departs for a team holiday to Barbados the day after the All Stars ceremony on October 30, with football nominations slated for release on Tuesday.
Exhibition Game Against Kerry Approved for London
Central Council granted approval on Thursday for the 2026 All-Ireland champions to face Kerry in a special exhibition match at StoneX Stadium in London, according to an official statement. The fixture, titled The JRL Group Presents the Mayo Kerry Global Series, is scheduled for Saturday, November 28th, 2026. The game takes place eight days after the return of collective senior inter-county training, marking a high-profile overseas challenge just months after Mayo’s opening championship match in Ireland next April, which follows a trip to London this past season.
Pro Tip: Keep track of upcoming inter-county challenge fixtures and squad return dates as GAA Central Council releases official winter exhibition schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Andy Moran staying on as Mayo senior football manager?
Yes. Andy Moran and his entire backroom team will return en bloc for the defense of the Sam Maguire Cup in 2027, continuing the three-year term he began in August 2025.
Who are the coaches working with Andy Moran?
Paddy Tally and Colm Boyle serve as assistants, while Keith Higgins transitions to senior support following his first season in charge of the U20s. Paul Durcan served as goalkeeping coach and Conor Finn as head of athletic performance with assistance from Barry Solan.
When do Mayo play Kerry next?
Mayo and Kerry will meet in an exhibition game titled The JRL Group Presents the Mayo Kerry Global Series at StoneX Stadium in London on Saturday, November 28th, 2026.
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