Crossmolina's All-Ireland winning manager steps down

Crossmolina Deel Rovers' Conor Loftus holds possession against Ballinderry during the All-Ireland club IFC final at Croke Park

Crossmolina Deel Rovers have paid a glowing tribute to their departing manager Brian Benson.

During his six years in charge, Benson brought his home club up from the Mayo intermediate ranks and reestablished them as a force to be reckoned with in the top-flight. The highlight of his tenure was guiding Crossmolina to All-Ireland club IFC glory in 2025, 24 years on from their All-Ireland club SFC triumph.

“We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank him for an incredible contribution to our club. Brian began playing Senior football with Crossmolina Deel Rovers in 2003, going on to make 75 Championship and 136 League appearances, scoring 56 goals and 387 points for the club,” the North Mayo club said in a social media post.

"While still an active player, Brian first dipped his toes into management in 2017, taking on roles with both our Junior and U21 teams. Brian hung up his boots in 2020, but he didn't last long as a spectator. He returned to the sideline, officially taking charge as Intermediate manager on 1 February 2021. In Brian's first year in charge, Crossmolina Deel Rovers reached the Intermediate Championship quarter-final.

“From there, Brian began a period of development for our players and expanded his management team, which brought significant success to our club. There were difficult days along the way, but Brian and his team kept investing their time, talent and experience, laying the foundations for a great period in the history of Crossmolina Deel Rovers.

"The first breakthrough came with the North Mayo Sweeney Shield win in 2023. Then came 2024. Brian and his team guided Crossmolina Deel Rovers back to Senior football by winning the Mayo Intermediate Championship. Under Brian's leadership, we went on to win the Connacht Intermediate Club Championship before being crowned All-Ireland Club Intermediate Champions in Croke Park, on a day in January 2025 that we will never forget.

"In our first year back in Senior football, Brian led the team to the Mayo Senior League final and through an impressive Senior Championship campaign, narrowly missing out on a place in the county final after a semi-final defeat to Westport.”