MICHAEL Walsh had not planned to manage any team this year, never mind RGU Downpatrick, but he said that the players’ determination changed his mind.
The multiple Down Club Championship winner with Mayobridge had planned to take a break from coaching. His most recent coaching role saw him take his club’s minors to championship glory.
But then came the call from RGU before Christmas.
“It never came across my head (to coach RGU). There have been other things in my life. I have one-year-old twins.
“I didn’t intend to take anybody, but sometimes in life something comes at you.”
What came at him was a delegation of senior players from RGU who wanted Michael to coach them for the 2026 season.
“Some of the fellas asked me if they could speak to me. I had a good relationship with them, so I met up with them.
“I know they are really good lads and they work hard. So that’s why I was tempted to get back in and give it a shot again.
“I coached them for two years (2021 and 2022) and they are a great bunch of fellas.
“When they asked me, it became more appealing, because if the players want you in there then that is half the battle.”
The panel is very similar to the one that Michael coached four years ago. The senior players are still there, but the dynamic is changing.
Tom McNeill, Tom Smith and Oran Cunningham were just coming into the squad when Michael was last involved with Downpatrick. Now they are more established.
“There is that younger element who are becoming the leaders. They have to stand up and lead the thing now,” Michael said.
Michael has a simple plan for this season. He has chosen not to make any major goals, instead opting for manageable challenges for the players.
“It is just to get better. We just want to get as good as we can get,” he said.
“Setting goals of winning leagues and championships, that is what everyone is going to do. But our goal is to try and improve in every game and try to be as good as we can become.”
