Reaction to Mooney's appointment, when either Otago Country coach David Latta or Alhambra-Union coach Mike Moeahu were widely expected to replace Steve Martin, has not centred on Mooney's nationality nor his poor record with the Reds.
Rather, the feeling seems to be that the Otago Rugby Football Union has spurned an opportunity to inject some enthusiasm, at a time Otago is struggling, by employing someone from within the province.
"Dave Latta was the right man for the job. And I feel Otago rugby needs Dave Latta more than he needs them," Country assistant coach Marty Hurring said.
"Personally, I think the Otago board needs to go. Country people have lost a lot of faith in Otago rugby. We've just started rebuilding that, and employing Dave was going to bring everyone together.
"He's passionate. He's lost a lot of skin for Otago rugby. He lives and breathes it, and he wants to help fix Otago rugby."
Hurring questioned why the ORFU had chosen Mooney, who led the Reds to 12th and 13th in the Super 14, over someone who was passionate about Otago rugby.
He was scathing at rumours Latta missed out on the job because of a lack of technical knowledge.
"It's a crock to suggest Dave hasn't got the coaching ability. Technically, he's very good. And he brings pride and respect to everyone he coaches."
Owaka coach Darryl Jenkinson said Latta should have got the job because of both his pedigree and his recent coaching experience.
"Dave has done an amazing job with Otago Country with basically no resources.
"His players show heart and character, which is exactly what Dave would have brought to Otago.
"I don't know what is to be gained by employing an Australian who wasn't wanted by his own union over there.
"The supporters won't respect that."
An Otago Country board member, who asked to remain anonymous, said the feeling in the country was that the ORFU had made a mistake.
"I've talked to a few people today and some are just astounded. Others have said they won't be going to Carisbrook, and that's really unfortunate.
"Otago needs to be consolidating and winning back the public, and I don't think going outside for a coach is the best way to do that."
Maniototo coach Ryan Dowling also wondered why the ORFU had looked outside the borders.
"I'm definitely a support of Crazy [Latta] but Mike Moeahu has also been around the scene a long time," Dowling said.
"This was a good opportunity for Otago rugby to get back to the grassroots and pick one of their own.
"I think Otago rugby's been lacking pride for a while.
"I feel a bit sorry for the new guy because there will be some friction in the province, and even within Otago rugby itself."
Closer to Carisbrook, the reaction to Mooney's appointment has been moderate.
Even at Alhambra-Union, the club that produced Moeahu, the outstanding Dunedin candidate, there is no massive sense of aggrievement.
"I'm disappointed for Mike because he's put a lot of time in and he was a very worthy candidate," Alhambra-Union chairman Gary Wheeler said.
"But the decision has been made and we've just got to get in behind the new coach now.
"We can't have Otago down the bottom of the ladder."
Dunedin chairman Andrew Rooney, a critic of the ORFU in the past, still wonders if the union is heading in the right direction but he had no issue with Mooney getting the job.
"From my perspective, I think we have to trust the people who made the decision and trust they picked the right guy," Rooney said.
"We now have to get behind him and support him and move forward."
Kaikorai chairman Ron St Clair-Newman, Southern chairman Ross Falconer and outgoing Pirates chairman Chris Rowe all had no problem with the appointment of Mooney.
