Very sorry to hear this news.
Great, proud Mayo men and I thank them for all of their efforts and wish them all well.

Good luck to Kevin and thanks for all he has done for Mayo GAA. Health is wealth. Thats all that matters in life.

Just want to say a big thanks to Kevin and him mgmt team. I was critical of them at times over the years but no doubt they deserve huge thanks for trying to take mayo football to the next level. IC management isn’t for the faint hearted and it takes serious courage and commitment to go for such roles. And for that alone Kevin and his team deserve huge credit.

The circumstances for Kevin are unfortunate but change was inevitable I think.Fair play to them for giving it a shot...not an easy job.

Mayo fans got what they wished for. Let’s hope the board to rush into a new appointment and we can hopefully energise this team for 2026 and make a serious stab of making a semi or possibly the final next year.

It was inevitable really.The decline couldn’t be allowed to continue.would have to have sympathy for Kevin after waiting so long to get a shot at the job for it all to have gone so wrong

No one will ever understand the efforts expended by management and players unless they have done it ....mostly it ends like this.
I hope Kevin McStay is OK.He has been in my thoughts recently his love and dedication to Mayo is immense

Thanks for their service.
Really think we're in a good position to push forward with a new mgmt and a lot of panel changes over the next two years.

I wonder were they given the opportunity to resign prior to implementing the nuclear option.
A sad ending to a journey that promised so much. My thanks to the mngt.group fot 'walking-the-walk' on behalf of Mayo GAA.

Given Kevin McStay’s unfortunate medical circumstances in recent weeks I’m not sure there was ever going to be any other outcome, and if there is anything to be thankful for that must be that the decision was made quickly without dragging the matter on.
I don’t think anyone could ever question that the whole management team only had the betterment of Mayo football as their goal, and whether or not we agree with their decisions and tactics is by-the-by. It’s a sad end to what many of us thought 3 years ago was a dream management appointment which ultimately hasn’t worked out. Nonetheless I think we should be thankful for the time and effort they put into it, and for the hassle and pressure they have had to deal with.

Great news for Mayo, bad news for the rest of Connacht. Booted out of Roscommon and now his native Mayo. Credit it to the board for acting quickly, I think their’ll be alot of vacant county jobs cone August.

Appreciate the efforts put in by the management team over the past three years, there were some good days including in Killarney in the first year to Omagh this year. For whatever reason, we were inconsistent and did not have good championship performances.

No doubt the management team will be as disappointed as us fans, while we travelled to matches, this does not compare to time or effort involved in the management team. Thanks for your time and dedication, being in the arena is much more difficult than us hurlers on the pitch.

It had to happen no connacht title under their leadership in three years not good enough in my view.
I was excited when they took over thought they would bring us to the Promise Land but unfortunately it didn't happen.
Wish Kevin Mcstay all the best in this health battles.
I also think that all members of the county board should step aside as well and let's have a clean slate like happen with the Dublin county board around 12 years ago and look what happen on the back of that decision 7 all lreland titles
Not saying that going to happen here but one all lreland would be a huge success.

Let a new era begin….

Kudos to Kevin and his team, a poster above stated the obvious, they decided to “walk the walk”, just didn’t work out for them and we were unlucky for sure (particularly last years Ref decision v Galway). I’m sure Kevin will be the first to wish the new person in charge the best of luck.

Thanks to Kevin for his effort I know he will be so dissapointed in how the 3 years went as he's a proud Mayo man. I really hope he gets well soon .

I'm not shocked and to be honest this needed to happen we need fresh ideas , fresh energy . I just hope it won't be a media circus like the last time.

Firstly, I want to thank Kevin and all his team for the effort they put in and for taking on the role. It's an easy thing to talk about it but much harder to try it. It didn't work out and there's no shame in that. I wish them every bit of health (most importantly) and happiness going forward.

Secondly, we are at a critical juncture in Mayo. The next Mayo managerial appointment needs to be spot on. We can't afford a poor appointment - we're already on the verge of obscurity. There is, I believe, a very good crop of underage players coming through. There is also a very good set of players within the senior panel, if their shackles are thrown off.
There are also some who aren't good enough to play Intercounty football.
The right management can determine who fits into these categories and builds towards something very special.
A lot of us laughed at Joyce when he got the job, immediately saying the target was an All-Ireland. Galway were piss poor at the time and yet, they're now challenging for the biggest prize (and could get it this year).
That's the kind of cold arrogance that we need.
We need a management team in place for the county championship, who will trawl for talent. We don't need previous managers who have tried and failed.
We need a whole new team, unburdened and untarnished.
Who that might be? I'm not sure but I'm not tasked with getting that team on board. I pray that the selection committee works earnestly and honestly to find the right man or woman for the job.
An awful lot rests on this. Let's do it right.

Kevin and his team did their best for Mayo football and they should be thanked for that, however the results were not good enough , I did not agree with the way they played the game always and some games were lost on tight margins , then weren't far away in some games even the last one and the Connaught Final had they won these two games it would be a different story.

Western Gael....I think he took Roscommon as far as they could go and to be honest they have not done much since.
I think it's near enough the same with Mayo....yhe panel he got was limited enough.....when he got the job he would have expected to have Oisin Mullin and Lee Keegan and ended up with neither which is a loss of generational level players then injuries to Tommy, Paddy losing Conor Loftus this year as well these are big losses from a panel that is not what it was some years ago.
I wasn't in favour of Kevin as an appointment with McHale etc to be honest I felt we needed a new generation with new energy but he gave us great days as player and manager too he was wrong about Mayo not being in transition when he got the job.....we are in a downswing at the moment which all Counties go through....hopefully it changes soon

I just want to extend my thanks and appreciation to Kevin, Stephen etc for their efforts. It did not turn out the way they or any Mayo supporters would have hoped for but in all honesty they couldn’t buy a break. Winning the league in first year was an achievement but being forced to play championship the following Sunday was disastrous and we paid the penalty. Desperately unlucky to lose to Galway last year in Connacht. Were 60 seconds away from topping group but allowed Dublin win a kick out to score in last kick of game. Repeated the same mistake when we led v Derry in Preliminary Quarter final and allowed Derry to score equaliser with last play of the match. Had Galway where we wanted them in Connacht Final this year but again didn’t finish out job and then came within seconds of a fantastic result v Donegal but again conceded in last play of the game. Management got blamed for all of those issues even though they were player ( and in last year’s Connacht final ) referee based errors. Rochford showed his ability by overseeing a great win v Tyrone this year and also showing how to play v Donegal in a great second half performance. The saddest thing about all of this is the vitriol and verbal abuse that they were subjected to by people who never made anything like a decent contribution to our county. I was there in 85 and 89 to see McStay at his best as a player and Rochford took us closer than anyone to getting us across the line. These men are hugely deserving of respect for their efforts. So now many of our ‘ supporters’ have got what they wanted. I just hope the Co Board make a wise choice now. We have a decent team as shown in 3 of our last 4 games with some good young lads emerging so it’s imperative that a good choice is made. In the meantime to those who were removed tonight a sincere thanks for your efforts

Best of luck to Kevin and team, might have been better off going before been pushed, there was never going to be any other out come.
There only one person that managed us before that I'd be interested in, if not somebody new, and whole new backroom team.

Best wishes to Kevin I think he made a mistake bringing in a high profile coach who managed Mayo before. Would like to see what he would have been like managing without Rochford. Anyway we move on. Hopefully we will appoint an all Ireland winner as manager and someone that can teach the lads how to score. No point going back to Horan or Maughan etc. Interesting times ahead

All the best to Kev and co but they had to go. No connacht title in 3 years , and the tactics and in play mgt was poor

I'll get the ball rolling , would like to see McEntee, sorry WJ

All the best to the lads in the future. The harsh reality is it’s a results business and if your manager of a junior club or a big intercounty team the same result….managers live and die by the sword. Mayo have gone backwards. No Connacht titles in that time and the style of play was at times awful to watch.

Having said all that no management teams goes out to do badly and luck also plays a huge part and Kevin and the lads didn’t have much of it.

Now the much criticised board must get this next appointment right. Failure to do so could cripple the county team for the next decade.

Very strong tweet by Leeroy rebuking the county board statement. Dead right

As one of the biggest detractors of this management team I'm happy tonight. I want to thank the county board for not dithering on the inevitable. I also want to thank Kevin for his efforts. Unfortunately he got swamped in the role. I wish him back to good health. Kevin cares about mayo. He's not a fraud. A new era begins and let it be. We will now rise again 🙏.

Kevin Mcstay got the job 8 years too late. We need a new manager and not going back to managers that served already. I dont want to see maughaun, horan, holmes ,connelly or rochford. All of these have had their chance and failed. Hopefully the new manager is appointed before the club championships begin. The raw footballing talent is in mayo. Thank you Kevin Mcstay for your services to mayo football.

I see Caroline currid might be available...although helping out with the irfu for the summer tour, she is available....if someone was to get her on their backroom team it would be a major addition...her and Paul kinnerk...with Tony Mcentee in charge and Andy....now that's a good management setup

Think.the Connacht Final loss this year was a sucker punch to Kevin..Remember watching his interview afterwards and he looked shell shocked..It was a tough tenure for him as manager and I'm.sure he would have hoped for far more appearances in Croke Park than we actually had..Wish him.all the best in his recovery and looking forward to watching out managerial hunt unfold..Hoping for a drama free appointment.Wont hold my breath..

Paul Kinnerk would be an amazing appointment but I can't see us getting him.....is there someone else out there like that though...

Glad that Kevin got a shot at it - from the safe pundit to walk the walk took some guts. Stephen got the best out of the 2016/2017 team and Damien has a good track record. It can’t be all managers fault since 1951 - players have a responsibility as well and it’s not or shouldn’t be a devine right to play for Mayo or club. I think at the moment that the Mayo players think they are better than what they are and it’s time for some natural footballing ability to come through. I think the minor management have potential where Tom Reilly especially is a great reader of players and play.

Just a side..
Have a read of the Antrim GAA statement on their manager finishing tonight also...

First of all, I would like to thank Kevin. Won a league title, and we don't have to much of them either. He was unlucky, thing went against him, tight game ended wrong side off, few bad ref call, especially last year's connaght finals. Team threw away this year connaght final, when team had match in palm of hand. And Donegal game, kind of mirrored his time in charge of mayo, close but no cigarette.
I for one would have not cried if he was left in charge for another year. But at least the decision made in a timely manner, and not dragging out an overly complex process in the media, and online.
But would not like job of picking new manager, has to be an upgrade on last one, and I don't see too many manager that available that are an upgrade

Thanks to Kevin and Stephen. They gave us great days like the league win v Galway, win in Killarney, win in Salthill, and the win in Tyrone. I would argue that they did well this year given the players at their disposable - just my opinion. Lets see what next year brings. The young talent will take at least 2 years to come through so it could be a tough few years ahead.

Waiting for Sam, the reason people laughed at PJ is because he said he was aiming to do it within a year, if I recall correctly. Credit to him though, because when he realised what he was doing wasn't working he was humble enough to make changes. But I think he has been probably surprised to learn that if winning them was that easy, we'd all be at it.

It's a shame that the wording of the statement has already raised so many questions - and hackles - among the national media. The big games this weekend might take the spotlight off us again. But lord, it' s never not a circus.

I'm very surprised that nobody is commenting on the appalling statement put out by your county board.

The language is a disgrace and the timing is a joke.

Mayo will not kick a ball for 6 months.

They could have let the season end and given Kevin a few weeks more to recover from his health scare.

You can talk till the cows come home about success on the pitch but until you get some execs with cop on then you'll not be successful.

Success begins off the field and whomever judged that statement appropriate isint fit for the role.

Kevin deserved more respect.

I’d agree with Leeroy. That statement really didn’t have much class about it. Tactics, players, prep, fitness etc etc I have no doubt that management group gave it everything. It didn’t work out, but neither have plenty others.

The next steps are critical and I’m not convinced the people in charge of the decision making are best equipped to make the decision. We can only hope.

For me, an outside voice has to be in the mix.

Very bad timing, do we always have to be in the news?
Wait until after the AIF.
Thanks Kevin and backroom team.

Kevin and Stephen were my least favourite team to get the job 3 years ago mainly because of Rochfords tenure in Donegal and the style of football they were playing. Despite this I can't agree Willie Joe with your commendation of the CB for not letting the matter fester on. Kevin had a lot on his plate with his health and surely he could have been given more time in the circumstances as it wasn't a priority for him or the CB and he surely would have come to the same decision in due course. He is a proud Mayo man who gave his all to Mayo as a player and a manager so he deserved better. What's the big rush when there isn't any County football for Mayo until next year. This in my opinion could have been handled much more passionately in view of all the circumstances.

That is a very terse and cold statement from the county board especially given the recent health problems for Kevin.

Whether you're a fan of the management team or not, that statement from the county board is a disgrace. Glad to see Lee Keegan call it out. The fact they delivered a league title and it wasn't mentioned is staggering.

West Kerry - the wording is a joke but nothing surprising there. Also why wait? It would be beneficial to have a new man in before our club championship starts. There may be a good few counties looking for managers and backroom teams so getting a head start there too.

It's the right decision. I'm sure Kevin is bitterly disappointed at how things have ended. He can keep the chin-up. Title-wise he has done no worse than any Mayo manager of the past 70 years and better than most. Whether down to tactics or personnel there have been some very disappointing results against teams we should be beating every day of the week, and that has been picked up on by the support base. We seem to have been on a downward curve since the Louth game in 23. It hasn't been a good year for Mayo GAA and sometimes you just have to accept that things haven't worked out. A shame we couldn't have been more competitive within the new rules and the most open championship in recent memory. Time to take stock and move forward.

Not the most sweet of statements. Could the county board not think it over another week or so and come up with a more professional statement? Saying all that, Group stage exit was the end of this of this management and should get a replacement in nice and early for the 2026 season

What they could have said courtesy of AI.

⸻

Mayo GAA Statement – 25 June 2025

It is with deep appreciation and respect that Mayo GAA confirms Kevin McStay will no longer continue his role as manager of the Mayo senior football team. This decision has been reached following open and respectful discussions, and while it is a difficult moment for all involved, it is one taken with the best interests of Mayo football in mind.

Kevin has given everything to Mayo football. Since his appointment in 2022, he has led the team with passion, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the players and the county. His leadership brought us the joy of a National League Division 1 title in 2023 and countless moments of pride.

The past season brought unexpected challenges, both professionally and personally. Kevin’s decision to step back temporarily due to health concerns earlier this summer was met with understanding and support across the Mayo GAA community.

We want to thank Kevin—not just as a manager, but as a proud Mayo man who gave of himself completely in service to the team and the county. His generosity of spirit, his decency, and his deep commitment to the values of the GAA have left a lasting mark.

To his selectors and backroom team, including Stephen Rochford who stepped in during a difficult time, we also extend our heartfelt gratitude. Their dedication and support have been invaluable.

Kevin’s legacy goes far beyond wins and losses. He inspired belief and carried the hopes of the green and red with dignity. We wish him a full recovery and all the very best in the next chapter of his life.

The process of appointing a new manager will begin in due course. For now, we simply say: thank you, Kevin

When you dont have the players, no matter what management team its not going to work

Given the developments of recent weeks, I think it’s very disrespectful and in poor taste. At least let the man resign. Thanks to Kevin & team for all your hard work and dedication, nobody could doubt your love for your county.
Folk who think a new manager will be the panacea need a serious reality check. Patience will be sorely needed.

Thanks to Kevin and his team. It just didn't go the way they hoped. Taking on any management role is a brave move, fair play to them for trying.

On the statement, they thank him and his team sincerely for all their efforts so not sure what more they can do on that front. We don't know the background to what led to this, they could have been asked to step away of their own accord but dug in forcing boards hand.

I thought they might be the management team to finally deliver when they were appointed. It’s so disappointing the way this has finished. I wish them all well, I’ve no doubt they all gave it their all. I hope Kevin’s health fully recovers. Thank you.

Moyside....

Paul Kinnerk a great shout, would love to see us go leftfield for someone like him ,a pure winner.
Alas himself and currid won't come cheap, hard to go from JP McManus money to a county with crippling debt

Kevin McStay and co had a hard job and did it honestly and to the best of their ability. They had the best of intentions, it is a pity it was not a success but that is life, that is football.
Most managers lose more than they win. It's too easy for us on the keyboard to take potshots, but when you're on the sideline watching your team being over ran in many positions, it's then you realise it's a bitch of a job being the bainisteoir.
Kevin McStay brought honour to his family and his county throughout his life, his tenure in charge of Mayo has not diminished his previous contributions.
As for the future, what a job a future Mayo manager has.
He needs to unite a fiercely tribal bunch riven with bitter parochial resentments to put county above club in order to achieve that ultimate goal.
It's a long list of things any new manager and his team need to tackle.
But before that I think a whole development team needs to be revamped: dealing with underage development, S&C, coaching, tactics, sports psychology, fitness, nutrition, facilities, background personnel.
There's a whole army needed to be in place, professional, experienced & organized to be utilised by incoming management team. Otherwise we're hoping the future will be better than the past.

MayoMayo1 I used to have my doubts about AI but seeing that statement has changed my mind. I also used to have my doubts about Mayo Co Board and seeing their statement has not changed my mind

I don't understand the logic of anyone saying this decision should have been delayed or postponed. It is a priority and it is absolutely imperative that we have a new management team in place this time before the club championship gets going. Time is of the essence, and after the AIF is far too late to be startimg what will be a lengthy process. Other counties will also be seeking managers. No issue whatsoever with the timing. And chances are, the board wanted to get it out before it was leaked.

But a bit more attention to the wording and a bit more warmth would probably not have hurt, regardless of what might or might not have been going on behind the scenes. Words matter.

Thanks for everything Kevin McStay pleasure to meet you Stephen Rochford Donie Buckley Damien Mulligan and Gary Matthews hope you get better soon and recovery is going well I hope to see you back to full heath in the next few months and year change needed badly time to get Paul Flynn Ger Brennan Kevin McManamon Peter Canavan Rory Gallagher and former players from Dublin Kerry and Tyrone with Donegal who have won the all Ireland
We need a change to bring Sam Home In 2026

Nothing wrong with the statement. It thanks them for their efforts as @Gizmobobs said .

I see Des Cahill giving out about us and the statement saying we've failed to win since 1951 what has that got to do with this ridiculous.

As I said I do feel for Mcstay . Everyone knows this was coming . I wish him all the best .

We have gone backwards and we all know it .

Depressing sitting out on a quarter final weekend 2 years a row looking forward to a new era next year whatever that may be .

Best of luck to Kevin in the future, here's hoping we see you healthy again and back on our screens in the near future. Success and failure is built on fine margins indeed! I think looking back over the 3 years it's the near misses with our neighbours in Maroon that will haunt the most - win any one of those toss ups and it's a different story. The wording of the county board left a lot to be desired - they might aswell have said "you're fired"! Why not say they've decided to go a different direction by mutual consent or something? One things for sure - they need to get the next appointment right - although as we saw with Kevin - there's no guarantees.

Also other counties will be looking for new managers so we needed to get this in quick and get a new manager and hopefully the best available manager .

100% Anne-Marie I concur completely on both points

Aside I understand some sideshow qfs on this weekend.. probably watch FIFA’s club World Cup instead

I want to thank Kevin and the Management Team for all the effort they put into the Mayo Senior Team. I also wish Kevin all the best in his recovery. Your Health comes first in Life.
Although the statement from the County Board is both Cold and Unflattering it is time to start the hunt for a new Management Team. We must bring in a Top Person who has won an All Ireland who has the Winning Mentality and can install this into our Players.
Too many times over the last 3 years We have lost tight games and seemed not to be learning from previous mistakes in trying to close out Matches.
This Mentality has to change. The CB must appoint a proven AI Winner and let him/her choose their back room team. I would be going outside the County. No previous Mayo Managers need apply. We have the Players . We must now get the best possible Person and Team in to Change the Mayo Mindset and Make Mayo Great again. We need Winners.

As gizmo said we don’t know if the management were asked to resign and decided to dig in as they had a year left.Rochford didn’t leave on particularly good terms in 2018 but I agree with Ann Marie there was no point dragging this out until after all Ireland final .Everyone knew it was coming one way or another.i assume there will be some statement from the management in the next few days

Sounds like Mayo County Board were given little option but to act and effectively fire current management with that statement. In fairness they expressed gratitude etc. Also sounds like current management were not going to step down and had to be pushed…. Sport is cruel , margins are very fine between success and failure and the current management team failed over the last 3 years, results regressed year on year, that the hard facts whatever way one looks at it or whatever excuses we make of it and ifs buts and maybes…time to move on and appoint the best new management team we can and look to the future and not go back to previous managers..in my view .

I was very partial, to what I felt was the dream team, and thought they could bring us very close. Sorry to see them go, and the county board wording was appalling. Relieved of by the way

Ill luck and lack of consistency really did for us, as well as an inability to deal with lesser quality teams. For example, Kerry were on a hiding to nothing after we beat them in Killarney in ‘23, yet they clawed their way past Cork, and hammered Louth. We scraped past Louth and screwed up against Cork, leaving Kerry to top the group on points difference.

Player loss has to count for something too: AIF, 2020, 2021. QF 2022, 2023. PQF, 2024. 4th of 4 in group stage 2025.

League win in ‘23 was good though. Sweet actually.

Thanks lads.

Relieved from his role, in the context of a health scare may have intended sound holistic and sensitive- it may have been thought to hold an awareness of the complex situation and stress that may have been involved. Relief could be considered to be the opposite of stress, after all.

In reality I think it reads strangely and condescending, the county board speaking with full authority. They may select the manager, but I wouldn't consider them "above" the manager in a hierarchal sense- others may disagree. More interdependent I would say.
More mutual, humble and grateful language would have better fit the situation- given all Kevin has done for the county and all he has achieved, even outside of football. Particularly, how he has spoken about the character and spirit of the mayo people as a journalist in the past.
His writing showed the depth and richness he feels mayo football has and I suppose that's why I personally really wanted it to work out for him, as well as for all the other reasons we all have. He would have been the perfect person to win it for us because he knew what it meant and I felt he was really doing it for the right reasons. But there will be others too.
Despite his disappointment, I feel Kevin may be immensely proud and grateful for the opportunity he had to manage mayo, given his love for the county. Something we could only dream of.
I don't know who is in the county board but the language could be better. Its a bit worrying as the language doesn't seem to show much awareness. To relieve him, almost implies they're doing him a favour, on his behalf! Sorry lads, but language is everything!

@to win just once haha! I enjoyed that comment!

Never dull in Mayo, some agree with the statement, others disagree, some agree with timing, others disagree.

I’m camp agree with timing, it can’t drag on despite Kevin recently having to step away, I’m (obviously from my earlier post) firmly camp prepare and make a better statement. Look at the reaction, these things matter, if you can’t prepare a statement that puts this by and large to bed - include a reference to upcoming club championship, talk about where we wish to go and what happens next i.e., have a strategy in place to ensure it is all deflected from quickly - then how can you implement a process for the next manager?

West kerry. If jack o Connor don't produce in kerry ye won't be long giving him the road and he has won plenty. What's all the fuss about. This should have happened last year. Mayo football needs direction now. Asap. That's the game we are in. So enough of that ould guff about lacking class and so on. If the board dragged it on there would be much more moaning

@West kerry

Give it a rest . The county board thanked Mcstay and co for his efforts and wished him all the best .

Sure it wasn't that long ago after loosing the other week that you wanted O ' Connor out .

Why should we wait till the end of the season? That's actually more hurtful and disrespectful towards McStay and co by giving them false hope at least they know where they stand now and can move on and we wish them all the best .

Kerry will be wanting O ' Connor gone if Armagh beat you which I expect they will do .

We needed to get this done now and I for one am glad county board are acting now.

@Craggy boglands well said your spot on .

Few comments on this.

1. That statement is classless and appalling.

2. The timing is fine, we need a good idea of a new manager for club championship.

3. People saying Kevin and his backroom team should have been let resign. They were well paid for their 3 years. Mayo went backwards. Move on.

4. Intercounty football isn't a charity. We all go wild on here when Mayo don't perform. Management teams need to be held to account.

5. Kevin is and always has been an absolute gentleman. But he needed to go.

Magpie. We have the players. They are in the county but if we had a full forward line over the last 3 years of. Clifford. Con. Rian o Neill. It wouldn't matter. Fair play to heaney. He engaged that line directly last Sunday. It was great to watch.

Kevin must be the first manager in the country to get to two league finals, winning one, and been relieved of his duties after a three year tenure.

@Exile

Yes true but no connacht title in 3 years and no quarter final spot in 2 years when league titles don't mean anything .

And I'm in so deep
You know I'm such a fool for you
You've got me wrapped around your finger
Do you have to let it linger?
Do you have to, do you have to, do you have to let it linger?

No. Right decision but appalling execution, time for siege mentality. The hurt is fuel… box office Always mayo Abu

The CB are utter amateurs and they seem to like to prove it at every available opertunity
The time is right for a management change but why turn it into a drama it doesn't need to be.
Friend of mine used to call Fair City Fairly Shitty well that's what this announcement is without a shadow of doubt

Exile. League final s are a thing of the past. The league is now pre championship training
. Nobody wants to be in a league final anymore because of the championship schedule. Did you see how donegal basically had to throw the league to avoid a 6 day turnaround to the Derry match. I really don't understand the big fuss here. It's not a shock the board let them go. They wished them well. What else do people want. We have to move on. Simple as

Kevin McStay wasn't coming back. The county board want to look as though they're owning that fact. Granted, the wording looks like it was scripted by Genghis Khan's spin doctor. No winners here, just harsh realities.

No doubt the management team gave their all.
They also didn't do it for free.
They all knew going in, that winning SAM is the name of the game and they signed up to 4 years.

Year 1 - won the league and flopped in the championship. 2 big wins and 4 poor performances, with a hockeying from Dublin to put the tin hat on it.
Year 2 - focused on the championship and couldnt close out in tight matches, culminating in a half arsed display against a Derry team that was on its knees begging to be beaten.
Year 3 - Poor start to league, had to bring lads back earlier than planned to stay up. Threw the final in favour of th championship. Then flopped again in the championship with the worst display in 15 years v a Cavan team that got a good hiding from 3 All Ireland contenders. Also couldn't hold on in 2 tight matches again.

Time for a change and no time to waste if the right people are available now.

If they spend the summers gowling around looking for a manager, then getting rid of the current management now will have been another own goal by a county board that aren't up to the standard needed to win All Irelands either.

I was a big fan of Kevin & Co..getting the gig, but it has'nt really worked out. There were some mitigating factors, bad luck, injuries to key players, Lee retiring and refereeing decisions, but I ask myself, did they get the best out of the players available?, and I don't think that they did. It was hard to get excited about our style of football and, this year, they did'nt fully embrace the new rules. The supporters were voting with their feet. We hav'nt made any real progress. It's a results business and ours wer'nt good enough,so the end was inevitable-change is needed. I don't have any problem with the timing. I think everyone knew what was coming and there was no point in dragging it out, albeit it could have been handled more sensitively. Delaying the decision could have limited our potential candidates, with other vacancies arising. CB need to get cracking now and invite applications and I'm sure there will be a lot of interest. This is a hugely important appointment and we need to get it right. As an aside, I see that Ger Brennan has'nt committed himself to Louth yet. I would like to thank the outgoing management for their efforts and dedication and wish Kevin a speedy and full recovery and good health going forward.

@che

The only ones making this drama are the media & outsiders . Though we are box office whatever we do

Sure Antrim let their manager go to and no one bats an eyelid .

The county board display a little bit of ruthlesness and the Gaa world goes into a frenzy. Ok maybe they could have used a bit more flowery language said its not you its me etc etc but look it had to be done. Hopefully our teams will show a bit of ruthlessness going forward.

Magpie made a good point about management teams and players. McStay and co didn't have this team to call on and the incoming manager doesn't have this talent yet. There's a monumental developmental job needed to put a team equal to this on the field again
1. David Clarke
2. Brendan Harrison
3. Donal Vaughan
4. Keith Higgins
5. Lee Keegan
6. Chris Barrett
7. Colm Boyle
8. Seamus O'Shea
9. Tom Parsons
10. Kevin McLoughlin
11. Aidan O'Shea
12. Diarmuid O'Connor
13. Jason Doherty
14. Cillian O'Connor
15. Andy Moran

Not sure what the frenzy regarding the statement is all about. OK it could have been more honey coated but that wouldn't matter one iota to the lads involved. They're adults and like the rest of us they knew the writing was on the wall and not just since the Cavan debacle although I fully believe the decision was made after that game. Kevin and Steven gave it their best shot but the football they wanted to play was from an era that has passed and not made for the new rules. As in every part of life, you either adapt to change or you get left behind. I wish all concerned the best for the future but this decision was inevitable.

Thank you Kevin and team for your dedication and effort over the last 3 years. I enjoyed the journey if not the destination. So many close calls/small mistakes in big games that most weren't giving us a chance in. Wish you all the best for the future.

@Maumtrasna View

I don't buy that we don't have the players. Yes we don't have that team who brought us so close a special group of players .

We lost to Galway by 2 points lost to Dongegal by a point at the death both of who are contenders for Sam. So we do have the players. We have seen the guys actually afraid to take a shot and that's cause the confidence is gone and confidence comes from the top your manager.

We've seen the worst style of play from us in the last 3 years also . Management made some strange calls you have to admit that surely . But I wish them the best .

New pod up on Patreon overnight reacting to the management news.

@Westkerry. I always like you contribution here but I think you're being a bit harsh on the statement.

This was the statement Kerry county board when Peter Keane got the boot.

“The process of appointing the next Kerry Senior Football Manager has commenced,” began the communication from the Kingdom’s county board

“The Kerry GAA Management Committee has appointed the following sub-committee who will revert with a recommendation at the earliest opportunity.

“No further comment will be made until this process has concluded.”

Kerry swooped in for So at least our statement thanks Kevin and Co.

@Willie Joe surely then is a posting limit on here for those that choose to monopolise this forum.

Maybe if individuals take off the Mayo hat look at the reaction from decent people like Des Cahill for example they see how poor that statement was.

Mayo do not need a manager in June or July or August or this Summer full stop.

Kevin had a major health scare no doubt impacted by the stress of that job, The least he could have gotten was not to be " relived of his duties" during the championship.

Some people need a bit of a reality check.

My big three wishes for the next mgmt ticket.
1.Daniel Kilgallon approached to become our county head of SnC in a full time permanent role. We're slow as a wet week, players 21/22 clearly not strong or quick enough for senior football.
This needs to be a burn it all down and completely rebuild how we do SnC at all levels.
Out with the slow runs and in with pace.
2. We need to hand control of player scouting to someone who is excellent at player scouting. Giving them a scouting and assessment group.
Someone who can marry eye test, football nous and statistics and knowledge and insights into the new rules.
3.We need a top attack coach. Dunno if that is a Kieran Donaghy or similar.

WestKerry - everyone has a right to express their opinions here (including you) and, while some post comments more than others, no-one is monopolising the debate. It's better in any event to keep the focus on the debate rather than the debaters.

Meh,I'm struggling to be too outraged. Just the standard template statement from county board, what kind of gushing eulogy were people looking for.

Timing is fine, rip the band aid off and save a drawn out saga and have the new man in place for club championship.

Kevin seemed a very decent fella always but for the second year in a row we are sitting here looking on from the outside with envy as the excitement for quarter final weekend builds, irrelevant as the real stuff begins. Best of luck Kevin but he had to go.

Let's cast the net wide for the next man. Can't just hand it to james horan by default, let's hear from austin o malley, Kevin Johnson, Paul Kinnerk, colm Collins, oisin mcconville, Tony mcentee kieran Donaghey, ger brennan..

I can only assume Con Telegraph are on the windup again touting john maughan for it. Lord above!

No one batting an eye lid about Mayo no more than Antrim

Maumtrasna. Forget about them players... what about horans 2020 and 2021 team that lost in 2 final s. No big rebuild to do here. That's nonsense. Mullin and keegan departed.

@Craggy Boglands

Think it's been established though that those two years didn't amount to match. Very very strange Covid years with straight knockout. One great win over Dublin where we outlasted them and didn't play half as well as we had when we lost a few years previous. Outside of that? Edging past a shambles Galway side twice and losing to Tyrone. That was it, that was the whole two year period. You'd get more football in half a championship nowadays to get a read on a team than you did in those two years combined

People surprised at how ruthless the sacking of the mcstay led management was should recall that Mr Micky Moran , in one year, led Mayo to all Ireland final and then got booted out.

The second booting out that was far worse than this one was Pat Holmes and Noel Connolly in 2015. Again one year I think they got.

At least the present management got three years.

Best of luck to Kevin and his team. My opinion is that the core of all the problems is the CB. Always has been.

Note I did not say they are the whole problem but the core of the problem. Pretty average operators really.

I see Boyle Sports have Horan/Moran/O'Malley/Dempsey as top favourites for the job.

Here we go again - same old / same old craic if thats how it pans out.

By the wording of this statement it seems that management were not willing to jump themselves and had to be pushed by the board. All of Kevin's media buddies going to bat for him and calling the Mayo board 'classless' would want to consider what a lack of class is needed to seek a fourth year after three years of appalling mediocrity. We are Mayo and our standards have been higher for our team since 2011 and need to remain high lest we end up even further in the wilderness. While I wish management and backroom no ill will, they have to accept that the last three years have been nowhere near good enough and got progressively worse year on year. Talk of us being unlucky or the team failing to win tight games misses the point that many of those games shouldn't have been tight in the first place. Players look like they're afraid to shoot which I believe is a failure in coaching. There are enough good players in Mayo for us to continue to challenge for honours and I believe there will be more available after this announcement when the lads who 'opted out' return for next year. For once I actually agree with the county board although really they should have grown a pair and done this last year. This is the sort of ruthlessness needed from a county that's serious about football and the pearl clutching from many quarters has been somewhat nauseating. It's vital now that the right appointment is made (wouldn't have much faith in the board handling that well) before the club championship begins in August.

Are there any James Horan’s under the radar out there?

When JH came in, his track record was getting Ballintubber to a county final, if I’m not mistaken. Someone must have seen something and the county board were prepared to back it. We’re all (none more so than yours truly), consumed with big names, but to be big names, they had to start somewhere. Is there an unknown out there to whom we might hitch our wagon?

TSU? JP?

Stephenite. Is that the best u could come up with. I never heard as much denial and nonsense in my lifetime. A raft of players were found in those years. Mcgloughlin. Mullin. Rod. Hessian. Conroy..

@Catcol, please God it is an unknown because that means the board are likely to be going on substance rather than some media name like McConville. I'm not close enough to the club scene but if Sean Deane was to win a county title with Breaffy and given his knowledge of the players coming through, I'd like to see him involved.

Thanks to Kevin and his Management team and also wishing him good health. Felt it was an unlucky tenure for him, loosing some great players and key injuries did hinder. I believe he truly wanted to deliver for Mayo.

The statement could have been better but best to conclude this quickly and move on. Hoping they now go for youth and freshness (Andy, Austin - some ex players from our golden period) with a good backroom team behind them. Strength and conditioning needs to be carefully looked at - why do we seem to have above average rates of hamstring recurring type injuries.

The mentality has to change to, need a winning mindset (cuteness, decisiveness etc.). The County board also needs to support the next mgmt team better - from the outside looking in it looked like the CB didn't support this mgmt team since the review last year, or at best the optics were terrible.

We are not in an awful bad place from a player perspective and there is plenty to build on. I would like the next mgmt team to get Carr and Cillian back in if fitness allows. New rules are made for those 2 plus they wouldn't have to track back (negating their perceived weakness).

Love your optimism Craggy, we'll see what the future brings, hope you're proved 110% right.
What would us grumpy old timers know, only we've seen this scenario many times before that we've loads of talent coming through and all we hope is the right manager is selected to harness the talent & win us Sam.
There is no quick fix, let's not think changing management is all that's needed. We haven't won the big one since 1951. We've had lots of hopeful management restarts since then.
I had a great laugh this morning listening to MWR, "there's loads of potential managers in the county with the proven pedigree for the job" delusional stuff!!!

I would like to see Tony McEntee get the job, he knows Mayo well and has worked with a good few from Mayo in his backroom team in Sligo ,he would have no preference towards certain clubs, it was his Crossmaglen footballing style that Mayo used in 2017 to great success.I think he would appoint the selectors that know the Mayo club scene inside out.Brought Sligo to there ceiling.

There are a lot of crocodile tears being shed about the dismissal or the McStay's management team but many of these same people complained about that same group for the past three years.
I have no problem with their results record but I simply hated the style of Mayo's play - management were surely responsible for that. Under that management, supporters stayed away in their droves and, once everyone's second favourite team, our style was derided.
We had the lowest no. of 2 point scores in the country. Don't tell me that was down to inability of the players. Every county, even the weak football counties, was capable of better than us.
I heard martin Carney on MWR this am and he was more than gracious to the outgoing management. Only a few weeks ago he was so frustrated with mayo's style that he was threatening to climb Kilimanjaro in the nude. I would have happily joined him if fit and able.
Good health and luck to Kevin and his team in the future - we owe them gratitude for trying their best but it was time for them to go. I for one thank the Co. Board for acting quickly to save Mayo football and hopefully now install people who will resume the Mayo way - give us entertaining football and if that brings success that's a huge bonus.

@craggy

Not sure are we getting our wires crossed or something. I know there was players introduced in those Horan years. I'm simply saying we've been on a downward spiral talent players wise since 2017 and the Covid years papered over the cracks but they didn't amount to much. We beat Galway by a point and Tipperary to reach a final for gods sake.

Those are good players introduced but unfortunately only ROD and Mullin would make a top contenders team at the moment and Mullin is unfortunately is living on a different continent. Conroy obviously talented but we haven't seen it since 2021 through no fault of his own and can't count on it again. Only ROD out of our players at the moment would make that generational 2016-17 team let's be honest and that's what we need to aim to get back to. And you're saying I'm in denial

@down under

3 of those men have never managed mayo or been involved in a mayo backroom team before.

How on earth is that same old same old?

West Kerry. Mayo certainly do need a manager ASAP before Club championship starts to get a look at prospective players.
Des Cahill and co couldn't give a fig about Mayo, the players or our fans like most of the national media, so we're not buying the feelings of decent Dublin media figures.
Kevin was relieved of his duties as he obviously didn't want to resign and perhaps forego a payout.
No reason why Mayo fans on a Mayo GAA blog shouldn't post as often as they like.
No hard feelings and good luck at the weekend.

Absolutely do not have the players @craggy boglands

@Green & Red - what I am really saying is look outside the county to catch somebody who has been to the summit. Nothing wrong with any of those guys but sometimes I think it good to bring in someone with zero connections locally. Politics kills everything. I think that would work but then again not everybody would agree.

Thanks @ Joe G !

During the Napoleonic Wars the French army would often recommend various fearless soldiers to Napoleon Bonaparte as future Generals. The Emperor would often reply...Qui, je sais,mais a-t-il de la chance? which is roughly translated as ...Yes, I know but is he lucky? Unfortunately, Kevin was not a lucky general. mainly due to poor refereeing decisions, some players opting out and injuries to key players.

Magpie. Does donegal have the players 🤔. The same players that couldn't win a game in ulster under Bonner/Rochford. I rest my case. But this time next year pencil in this conversation with me .

Stephenite. Again I am willing to revisit this conversation in 12 months time. Donegal being the model

Maumtrasna view. Yes we have seen alot my friend but I am very optimistic right now. Very happy with the development of our 2 corner back s this year's. Midfield and up top needs addressing. Front foot football required. The minor s were a good example.

Pathetic of Rob Hennelly to go on Six One news to say 'we don't do things in the right way in Mayo'.
Andy McEntee stood down in Antrim and I'm sure if Kevin had voluntarily stood down, the Mayo County Board would have issued a very different kind of statement.

They did have the players Craggy yes, but not the manager. You need the two . Name a good team of players who won an all ireland with a bad manager? I rest my case.

How about Davy Fitzgerald as a new manager

Wish people would put "lol" or at least a smiley face after humorous posts so we know you're joking.

Hennelly must be another player out to make himself into a pundit. What business had he going on the news commenting on it? None!

Out of interest in the three years under McStay how many players has made their championship debut under his watch?

Rob just getting his spake in before Kevin comes back to pinch his seat....he did have a night on the Saturday/Sunday game,and was good on it in fairness to him.

I'd be in the camp of the writing was on the wall and the ceilings even before the Cavan fiasco, Tyrone was a temporary reprieve,it was still in their own hands going to the Hyde but must have known it was last chance saloon, ultimately came up short and die was cast that evening.
Falling support was not going to be ignored by county board.

@MO2023: 15, at least.

Done by eye, so I could easily be missing 1 or 2. Very open to correction if anyone spots another.

'25 - Akram, Thornton, Morahan, Dawson, Neary, Kelly, Irwin, Coggins
'24 - Hunt
'23 - Tuohy, Callinan, McBrien, McHugh, McStay, Reape

Thanks TsuDhinim

Dessie Farrell stepped away immediately after the game, at least some managers know when the game is up and the writing is on the wall, and he has 2 all Irelands to show for it