A man closely associated with the development of soccer in Co Monaghan has secured the prestigious appointment of manager of the Republic of Ireland U-19s.
Tom Mohan had been at the helm of the Republic’s U-17s for almost five years and had guided them to last summer’s European Championships in Bulgaria. He fended off some stiff competition for the U-19 job, with RTE pundit and former Republic of Ireland international Kenny Cunningham, and another ex-Republic performer Keith Andrews, among those in the frame. A number of candidates with strong Airtricity League experience, including former Drogheda United boss Johnny McDonnell, were also in the running for the position.
Tom began his playing career with Oriel Celtic in Monaghan under the guidance of Sean McCaffrey, who himself went on to manage both the Republic’s U-17 and U-19 sides. He played youth football with Portadown and joined Omagh Town for a season, before signing for eircom League side Derry City. After three campaigns the midfielder joined Finn Harps, and had seven distinguished seasons with the Ballybofey side before a stint with Longford Town.
Mohan played a key role in soccer development in the north-east in recent years through his work as FAI Regional Development Officer for counties Monaghan, Cavan, Louth and Meath. The Aughadrumsee, Co Fermanagh native completed his Level 1 coaching badge and UEFA ‘B’ Licence during his playing days, subsequently advancing to complete the UEFA ‘A’ Licence. He had previous involvement in the underage Irish international set-up under old mentor McCaffrey, Joe Boyle and John Morling before he secured the U-17 management post in September 2012. He undertook his UEFA Pro Licence with the FAI in 2014.
“It is a great honour to manage your country at any level,” Mohan said following his appointment, “but this is a step up for me to the U-19s and it is a challenge that I am looking forward to.
“I hope my experience with the U-17s – first assisting Sean McCaffrey and then John Morling – before becoming a manager will stand to me, as I know how…
