Offaly's Michele Mann Eyes Redemption in New Football Season
Following a challenging 2025 campaign that saw double relegation, Offaly ladies footballer Michele Mann remains steadfast in her belief that the Faithful County can rebuild and reclaim their rightful place in Irish football.
The setbacks were significant: relegation from Division 3 to Division 4 of the Lidl National Football League, coupled with a heartbreaking exit from the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Football Championship after an agonising extra-time play-off defeat to Wicklow at the Carlow GAA Centre of Excellence on 6 July, 2025.
Yet Mann, entering her second season as Offaly captain, embodies the resilient spirit that defines Irish sporting culture. "There has been a good bit of work done since the season ended last year in the Offaly camp. Things are definitely looking a bit better. We can see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel," she reflected.
Learning from Adversity
Drawing inspiration from counties like Antrim and Laois who have overcome similar challenges, Mann emphasises the collective strength that emerges from hardship. "Other counties have faced similar set-backs in the past and have shown a lot of progression since. Even just seeing examples like that is motivating too."
The Faithful County will begin their Division 4 campaign with a reunion against Wicklow at Echelon Park in Aughrim this Sunday at 2pm, a fixture loaded with emotional significance given their previous encounter.
Revolutionary Rule Changes
This season introduces groundbreaking rule enhancements being trialled by the LGFA, including the two-point scoring arc, mandatory three players in the opposition half, and the innovative 'solo and go' rule. Six additional changes specifically target current LGFA regulations, including enhanced tackling permissions.
Mann has embraced these changes through recent challenge matches: "The new rules have been really interesting and exciting to play in. The solo and go has made the game so much faster, and being able to get contact on the player before the ball is in play. Those two have really improved the physicality and speed of the game."
Leadership and Balance
As captain of the Naomh Molaoise club player, Mann represents a new generation of Irish athletes balancing professional careers with sporting excellence. Working in management consulting at KPMG Ireland, she commutes to Dublin twice weekly while maintaining her Offaly roots.
"I commute up and down to Dublin from Offaly twice a week. The commuting has always allowed me to never miss training," Mann explained, highlighting the dedication required in modern amateur sport.
With vice-captain Roisin Mealiff returning after Ballinamere/Durrow's successful club campaign, Mann emphasises collective leadership: "It's not just falling on the captain and vice-captain. There's a lot of leaders throughout the squad."
As Offaly prepares for their Division 4 campaign, Mann's optimism reflects the enduring spirit of Irish sport, where setbacks become stepping stones to greater achievements.