Jason ready for Rochford challenges
JASON DOHERTY is looking forward to working with Stephen Rochford again in 2019.
Rochford has informed the Mayo county board of his intention to see out the two-year term he was handed as manager last October, though he will have to replenish his management team with Donie Buckley and Peter Burke apparently stepping away. Doubts also surround the future of another selector, John Mcentee.
“Stephen has done some great work with us over the last number of years,” said Mayo forward Doherty, who was speaking at the launch of the 2018 Croke Park Charity Challenge, sponsored by Corrib Oil, which takes place on October 23 at GAA headquarters.
“We have definitely developed of our game and new selectors coming on board will bring in new ideas and as a player you look forward to that.
“And, as a player, it makes you look at yourself. One thing Stephen has brought in is that nobody is safe whether you are there 15 years or six months. He constantly challenges you to question your own game. You can’t rest on stuff you have do in the past.”
Mayo made their earliest SFC exit since 2010 this year but Doherty said: “I think it’s a huge opportunity for lads to reassess, re-energise and even to take a break from it for a while.
“I’ve already had five or six weeks now where I stepped away from the club and just did my own thing in the gym and running and playing a bit of tag rugby for the first time or yoga.” COLIN KELLY has ruled out the prospect of returning as Louth boss.
Kelly served three seasons in the job before standing down last year and then taking the helm in Westmeath, though he quit that post after the midlanders were swiftly eliminated from this year’s Championship following losses to Laois and Armagh.
“It’s not really for me at this minute in time,” Kelly (above) told LMFM. “I’ve had three years there and I’ve made some great friends.”
Others nominated are believed to be another former Louth boss Peter Fitzpatrick, under-20 manager Wayne Kierans and London boss Ciaran Deely.