FINDING out who is Ireland's longest serving GAA team manager would be a mighty task but I'd guess that Francie Coleman would go mighty close to claiming that title. Apart from one year, he has been in charge of the Donaghmoyne lady footballers.
“I was appointed in 1991 as manager of the team and I have been involved ever since. I took one year out as manager to re-charge my batteries but that is the only break that I have had. I am still enjoying the job and winning a few matches makes it all worthwhile,” said Coleman.
Donaghmoyne have done more than win a few matches. They have won the Ulster Senior Championship title 10 times in the last 12 years and collected the All-Ireland title in 2009, 2012 and 2015, as well. Now the Monaghan champions are aiming to retain the honours this year.
The Ulster title was retained during last month after a hard fought battle against Tyrone champions St MacCartan's from the Clogher Valley. Because of the major part he played in that victory, Francie Coleman wins the Quinn Building Products UGAAWA Merit Award for October. His sideline guidance was vital in victory.
“It surely was a tough final to win,” recalled Coleman when being presented with his award.
“This is a great bunch of girls we have. They never panic and we have 10 or 11 in the panel who have great experience of winning. They work very hard in training all year and they deserve any success they get. I have also two very good helpers, our trainer Ann Marie Burns and assistant manager Noel Marron, who deserve great praise, too.
“I thank the GAA Writers for giving me this award. It is a great boost to us all as we go on to defend the All-Ireland title,” he stressed at a presentation function in Quinn's Corner.
“We are hoping to make history this season by winning the back-to-back All-Ireland titles this year. We have never managed back-to-back wins, so far,” he added.
Francie Coleman, who outpointed Shane McConville, Maghery's Armagh SFC winning manager, and Slaughtneil footballer-cum hurler Chrissie McKaigue to win the October Award. Also receiving special mention is Kilcoo star Darragh O'Hanlon for his performance against Glenswilly.
Conrad Cadden, Quinn Building Products Sales & Marketing Co-ordinator, made the presentation to the winner who recveived an engraved Belleek Living Vase, specially designed and engraved silver cuff links from Carlingford Design House, training gear from O'Neills International Sportswear and a medical kit bag from 3FiveTwo on behalf of Kingsbridge Private Hospital.
Donaghmoyne have a home semi-final against Cork champions Mourneabbey next Sunday week, a repeat of last year's final.
