While still a student in UCC, he had coached teams of Kilmurry Ibrickane GAA to Clare U-16 and Minor Football titles. This took the attention of Sr Cecilia, principal of St Joseph's Secondary School, who needed a coach for their boys football team. Morrissey agreed, and made his entry at the school. He took charge of the Senior Football team in a period that the relationship between the neighbouring clubs Kilmurry Ibrickane GAA and Milltown Malbay GAA were at an all-time low and rivalry at an all-time high. By forming a school team consisting of players out of the parishes Kilmurry Ibrickane, Milltown Malbay, Doonbeg and Cree-Cooraclare, Morrissey defused most of the tensions. He managed the team to the Munster title in 1983.