Moyna steps down as DCU manager

Niall Moyna has confirmed his decision to depart as manager of DCU’s senior Gaelic team, saying it is time for a new generation to prosper at the college following his 15 year reign in charge.

In that time the Monaghan native accelerated DCU to the upper echelon of Higher Education Gaelic football, winning four Sigerson titles from five final appearances – in 2006, 2010, 2012 and 2015.

His decision follows Saturday’s Sigerson Cup Final loss to UCD in Jordanstown. DCU beat the hosts in their semi-final having beaten Athlone IT and Carlow IT en route to this year’s finals weekend.

In an even game it was the late scores of man of the match John Heslin and late substitute for Football of the Year Jack McCaffrey, Stephen Coen, that sealed UCD’s first Sigerson title in 20 years 0-10 to 2-2.

Speaking to the Irish Times Moyna admitted that it was time for a new legacy to be made in Glasnevin, and that he may have his eye set firmly on an as of yet unnamed replacement.

“I’m 15 years at it and I just thought it needs a change,” he said. “This is maybe the fifth or sixth team I’ve built.

“We won the Freshers League and Championship this year and there’s a great group of players coming along, so I could be selfish and stay at it because I think we have a good enough team to win next year. But that’s not the right thing to do.

“The right thing to do is to let the next generation come through. I have one person in mind . . . if I can convince him to take it.”

His side were aiming to win back-to-back titles for the first time in the college’s history in Saturday’s final. UCD however continued their dominance throughout this season following two previous wins over DCU, most recently in November’s Ryan Cup Final in Parnell Park.

Moyna’s fourth and final Sigerson title came at the Mardyke in 2015 when a dramatic Conor McGraynor point in stoppage time following extra time brought the title back to Glasnevin with a 1-14 to to 2-10 win over UCC.

He will continue his position in the college as Professor of Health and Human Performance.

 

Aaron Gallagher