Mike Solan has resigned his post as Mayo U20 football boss following five seasons at the helm, during which he led his native county to an All-Ireland title and two Connacht crowns.

The Ballaghaderreen clubman took over the position from Niall Heffernan in 2016 and enjoyed instant success when guiding the Green and Red to Connacht and All-Ireland U21 glory. His Stephen Coen captained side defeated Cork on a 5-7 to 1-15 scoreline in a thrilling All-Ireland final at Ennis.

In 2018, with the age grade now changed to U20, Solan guided Mayo to a second Connacht final victory, and they went on to reach the All-Ireland final at Croke Park, only to be beaten by Kildare. He was subsequently nominated to replace Stephen Rochford as county senior football manager but later withdrew his name.

In a statement posted on the Mayo GAA website, Solan described his time managing Mayo as the "greatest honour of my life."

"I would like to thank everyone who has been involved with us over the last 5 years. It has been the greatest honour of my life to be able to represent Mayo and to do so with the finest of people," the statement reads.

"I would like to say a special thank you to the players who have represented Mayo with such distinction over our tenure. They always represented their county with the pride and passion that it deserves and the future for Mayo football is very bright.

"I would also like to thank all the clubs for the courtesy they have shown us in this role and for all their time and effort in producing players for us as management team to work with.

"I will take a lifetime of happy memories and friendships with me and would like to wish Mayo success at all levels in to the future.

"Finally, I would like to thank my family, most especially my wife Rosemary, for her unwavering support last five years."

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