I don't think it can be overstated how important Cillian is to mayo. Would he be a bit part player in any other county?. Maybe injuries mean all he can play is what he's doing like 2024. A absolute living legend of mayo football. The all time record point scorer.
On a separate point about the fundraising, if you put in the effort you will get the rewards. People like to see a event with some effort put in or a good event. All comes back to effort.
I wonder combined what would be the total combined of all the money raised by clubs in the county over the last 2 years. I'd safely say it'd cross the million.

So cillian isn't retired but simply taking a year out?? With all the rumours of player discontent, surveys, et al, and please don't accuse me of spreading rumours these are topics brought up at county board meetings, to have one of our best ever look to be taking a year out in what would surely be one of his last year's, is an absolutely terrible optic for Kevin McStay and Stephen Rochford.

That difference between 'retired' and 'not available' is a massive deal-

It's a sad and bad outcome for Mayo football either way.

Summer issues were not addressed and just ignored. Some freshening up was needed.

Honestly horrified at the thought of Cillian moving away from the panel this coming year. With a championship that's never been more open, by God we could do with his ability and guile. Sadly, from what I've seen this year in club and county, it's another year in the doldrums for us. And in 2025, our neighbours won't give up an All-Ireland as easy as they did this year.

Are we seeing Player Power Mark 2, players are there to play and have plenty time to manage when they retire if they so wish. But we have come to except self enflected damage to gaelic football in Mayo.

I give up.

Management must manage.
If players feel they want time out that is their prerogative.
It is surely time to shake things up.
Time waits for no player
Galway were found out in the final last year by being too loyal to injured players

Would be such a shame to see Cillians Mayo career end on such a low-key note. Would be hard to see him coming back in 2026 when he’d turn 34. Injuries have ravaged him obviously in recent years but I’d always hold out hope he’d get back to form. I also think he’s criminally underrated nationally. Aside from his scores, he could win his own ball, incredibly intelligent, unselfish, great tackler etc, all qualities very hard to package in one player

Willie Joe a repeat request for topic on the podcast but can Mike/Rob probe more into Colm Boyles u19 role. I do believe any hopes of Mayo getting back to the top table hinge on the 18-20 cohort but what is Boyle doing with u19s -v- Gardiners u20s. Would love to hear more.

Roco88 - he actually covers some of that in the pod, in particular training facilities but he also says (not for the first time) that he believes we have a great crop of young players coming through.

That's the frustrating part of it Willie Joe - there is plenty of talent in Mayo but there are serious questions about the development of these players from u20 through to senior - development in terms of S and C, skills development, style of football, psychology, mental strength to win tight games etc.

Is James Carr injury free now?

You can sing Johnny Logans Whats another year to this coming season. public anger will only spiral now.

The 2 fingers to Cillian was putting Aidan in Full Forward and playing Cillian as sub for 2 years. Anyone knows Cillian is the best FF in the County.

@kevin barrett. It doesn't surprise me but if it's true it's total bullshit. I can't see the logic to lads sitting out college games and maybe not getting game time with the county and as a result end up playing no football at all. Crazy stuff

I think coc wants to keep the door ajar to come into the fold again if mayo are doing well in 2025 or 2026 to finally get his hands on an all ireland winners medal. Sure ciaran mcd or our conor never retired. We will never be short of footballers in MAYO. I think the future is bright and Sam may be coming to MAYO in 2025.

Off topic a bit but just after listening to banty on a pod and he talks about meeting ciaran mcdonald twice in 2008 trying to get him to play for monaghan while he was working in navan.. Imagine the blog if that transfer went thru.

I just took it that Cillian is retiring but now that there is talk of taking time out, the rumour mill ramps up. If it’s true then it certainly is a damming assessment of management as a few posters have already referenced. When you look at the high turnover of players in Roscommon in McStays time you start to wonder is there a pattern. But correlation doesn’t always mean causation. Either way a blow to mayo football.

Still can't believe it I'm shocked I know he was probably nearing a tune where we are all starting to wonder will be give it one last go..

But as others said in one of his last years to opt out is surprising to me though maybe he just wants to go travelling and that who knows but he will be missed and espcially when next year is so wide open to... I just hope we don't see any other bib names opting out...

Kevin B - after the debacle of the u20 camaign last year - only in Mayo would the same u20 management team survive an end of season "review". If what your saying is true that lads are been dropped off the panel for playing with their college - this is a disgrace and of course our country board will do nothing about it. Its not the players that should be dropped - its the management for making these decisions

I don’t know who Kevin B is but I’ve heard very similar reports. A lot of players doing heavy pre season stuff the day before U20 club championship. I don’t think they have been told outright not to play but it’s a very tricky place to be put in. No footballer should ever be made to choose between club and county at the threat of being dropped. Maybe it’s rumour maybe it’s fact but a lot of people have referenced it in recent weeks. Simply not on.

Traffic levels on the blog were very low in 2008, No doubt, but I think it’s fair to conclude they’d have been a lot higher if that had happened. It’s one thing had he switched at club level to Shrule/Glencorrib (the story about which Mark Ronaldson recounted so well at the Ballinrobe launch of Ed McGreal’s book), quite another had Banty enticed him to line out for Monaghan!

McStay has form he ended Donie Shines career a gifted footballer for Roscommon and publicly called him out on radio for his fitness levels and then ended up playing 2 midfielders that wouldnt lace his boots.

Lads in College should play with their College.
Some are on scholarships and are obligated to play.
If burnout is a worry don't play them in the league.
Madness last year playing some lads the day after the Sigerson final.
Every county has the same problem.

Cillian is a huge loss. But , if we get a fully fit Paddy D back for Championship, it would softern the blow

@JR 100% agree with you. The guys absolutely love playing for their colleges and that's the way it should be.
They certainly should not be punished for doing so.

A sad day for Mayo football with Cillian stepping away. I am interested to see how Kevin McStay and co will 'spin' this major set back. There was a lot to take in from that pod - lack of facilities, no pitches for academy players, no meeting of Cairde Maigheo Eo all year (no Chairperson until recently), and no fundraising in years. Shocking that there was no effort to raise money in New York. Where or how are they going to raise the millions for the Bohola Centre of Excellence?? Disgraceful reading tonight re the U20s. (How that management team is still in place is mind boggling).

@williejoe.just as a matter of interest did you know that story about ciaran mc and was it common knowledge or am I late to the party.

I'm surprised people are surprised? He's had a lot of injuries and problems with fitness, and he's 33. It's not like he's 26 or 27 and stepping back. I don't really buy that it'll be just a "year out" either.

Cillian stepping away and not retiring is a problem now for Kevin mcstay.It has been a strange couple of years under his management,players being played out of position and the ultra boring style of football we have adapted has lead to stories of unrest whether true or not .Either way it would be a sad way for Cillian to end his mayo days .without doubt one of the all time greats as his scoring record may well never be surpassed

Congrats K Barrett, you win the Internet today. I'll stick with my policy of waiting on reputable sources to confirm something rather than random lone twitter accounts thanks.

All kidding aside though this isn't a good look at all for the management, I did feel Cillian has been hard done by with the lack of minutes the past 2 years, while it did seem to take a while to get up to speed after a bad injury it still seemed clear McStay didn't fancy him. I imagine a competitors like Cillian must have been looking on at some guys being persisted with every day who rarely trouble the scoreboard while the all time championship scorer kicks his heels on the bench.

Feels like he is absolutely wedded to the inside trio of AOS/Rod/Tommy C regardless of form. Could see lads like Towey pissed off this year too if they are only seeing crumbs of action

It piles the pressure onto management now, they have to achieve this year, in a year when the All ireland race is absolutely wide open

@dreamysleepynightysnoozysnooze

He's 32. Paul conroy is going again for Galway at 35 more then likely Aido still going for us to hopefully.

I hate to say it but I agree with others to this does not look good at all for mcstay & Co.

Cillian O Connor not actually retiring but opting out in one of the last year's in his career where it's wide open next year.

Also with the trouble of unrest during the last few months to. Still glad mcstay got another chance but I feel for cillian O Connor. He's been one of our greatest ever players when fully fit.

Always stood up to whatever the opposition was opposition usually never liked him ( I would take that as a compliment..!) and has the smartest football brain..

I don't know what to make of it maybe he just wants a year out but I feel now there's is even more pressure on mcstay & Co for next year..

Paul Conroy was regular for Galway this year. Cillian only started 4 games this year and one was nothing game against London in the Dome. At his age it could well be a retirement without making it public. Best of luck to him whatever he does owes Mayos nothing more after over a decade of service.

@Mo2023

Yeah true about Paul conroy.

However Cillian was only coming back to form end of last season.. Even off the bench he makes a big impact. It seems sudden to me anyways. Though maybe just sad he's not coming back next year as its an end to an era.

If its a retirement we shall see but by the sohbsz of it he's not retiring just opting out for next year like a few of Dubs did to opted out but not retired and cane back and then finished this year...

If he is going wish him the best of course but no official announcement from him that it's actual retirement so I will wait for that.

Seems the early 30's is when these amateurs start to feel it most. Listening to McCarthy on off the ball ( when Paddy Andrews let him talk), the injury toll just mounts up to a crescendo and ignore your body at your peril takes over.
Sometimes it's too convenient to look for reasons other than age and injury. Not everything needs rationalizing to death. Ockham's razor might be the solution at times.

I'm presuming that Ciiian is NOT retiring , otherwise Mike, out of respect for Cillian, wouldn't go saying anything on the blog about it , like it's Cillians news to tell .
On the taking a break thing , I think he should retire now if he doesn't feel up to it this year .
One of my all time favourite players but his pace is gone .
Cleverness will only get u so far in the championship

Clare - how do you know there was unrest? There was a lot of talk but nothing actually confirmed. There will always be players unhappy with their game time or unhappy with this or that. That's what high performance environments are like. I'd be more worried if they were happy to toddle along.

"He's one of our greatest players when fit" - well he has struggled with fitness for years now.

"Look at Paul Conroy/Aidan" - not every individual player's circumstances are the exact same or should be treated as such.

I know it's winter and rumour mill time and people desperately want there to be some deep meaning in every singe thing, but a player in his 30s who has struggled for fitness leaving intercounty football is not a shock to me.

We are where we are now. I just hope that management are trying to address our shortcomings next season & possibly most importantly, planning & honing squad with the new rules in mind. I have a terrible feeling the review was a load of shite & nothing will change

Not a whole lot of new players stood out in club championship again this year Mayo Focus .
Nothing else but an All Ireland will satisfy some Mayo folk .
We had better squads in the past that didn't get over the line .
New rules will be very interesting and I expect new faces to be blooded in the league.
Mcstay and Co , I think will try and stay in Div1 and use league to build a panel for championship

I'd have Donegal, Armagh and Tyrone ahead of the rest slightly in pecking order. Jimmy McGuiness has theim running already I'm told, and as green and red said, O'Rourke will force a tune from Tyrone without question.
That said, there's never been a campaign as open for quite some time so only time will tell. We're going to see new faces across the league with all teams, but some will have a complete changing of the guard. Looking forward to it with a tinge of trepidation. Who'd want it any other way?

@dreysleepysnoozysnooze.

Fair enough. Cillian O Connor has struggled with injuries last few years but he was coming back to form last year. He has been one of our best players. I don't think you can say he wasn't even off the bench and he is a great leader.

I don't know for certain obviously that there was unrest but it seemed like that way during the review.

Obviously individuals have differnt reasons for stepping away of course they do but don't know how this isn't a surprise to some.

Anyway it is what it is and glad mcstay has another chance as I said.

@mark Dempsey Donegal ahead of the rest? I don't know about that they will get to quarters at least or semi but every top team has just as much chance each other I think. Tyrone may get a new manager bounce with younger guys coming up to but wouldn't put them ahead just yet. Armagh it's hard to do back to backs interesting times ahead.

My Ball I would be satisfied being in the mix again. But if that is the management & players target, then there is a good chance you won't achieve that. Need to aim for & believe you can win Sam, or it simply won't happen.

Club championship - sometimes a player can improve more when they are surrounded by better players. Hopefully we can case the net wide & give lads a proper chance

Mayo Focus think that's more than a feeling, as journey may say.
Maybe not to many new players put their hand up, but some did. There's a lot been called in for programmes, some surprising, some not surprising, and some surprise omissions.
The Cillian story was unsubstantiated for a few weeks so to speak, but most would have heard it, and as there are other similar unsubstantiated stories around other players there may be several slots opening in the panel.

I'm with you Mark, I think the ulster teams will be leading the way this year again but they are as likely to all eliminate each other after a gruelling ulster championship.

If I had to pick my favourite for next year I'd be putting them in this order (though really there's shag all between the top 8 of these teams and and any one could beat any of the others on a given day).

It's going to be a v exciting championship. Genuinely feels completely wide open

1. Tyrone.
2. Donegal
3. Kerry
4. Armagh
5. Galway
6. Mayo
7. Derry
8. Dublin
9. Rossies
10. Cavan
11. Louth

If there was unrest in the camp- no evidence provided - I hope those still unhappy after all the panel met McStay after the review leave.
You will always have unrest, every player wants to be on the team.
Surely all are not happy in Galway after loosing a final on the sidelines.
We would have been crucified if we were beaten by Armagh like that.

More or less how I'd have them too suoermac other than the tir chonaill men being my favs. Friend's son plays for Donegal and I'm just tipping them to sneak it based on last yrs effort plus Murphy's invaluable experience. Armagh might struggle to repeat last yrs feat alright Clare, but they're up there for sure. I've no real feeling for how Mayo will perform as of yet, but I sincerely hope they don't go all gung-ho in the league. I think Dublin will struggle big time in the league alongside Galway.

Kevin Barrett - I'm not letting either of those comments up. In one of them you're naming another player who has left the panel but this hasn't been confirmed anywhere (if you have a source for this, then please name it) and in the other you reference an incident you said happened relating to a substitution, which you'll need to corroborate if you're going to post it here.

No worries, Kevin - it's Christmas so we won't get into sanctions!

Bizarre news regarding Cillian. Hopefully he is taking a year out to travel and not stepping away for pitch related reasons. One of the GOAT to wear the Green and Red.

A lot of commentators being overly dramatic here and sayinf the season is over before it starts if Cillian does retire. All we can do is wish him all the best and thank him for many great years. He has a lot of miles of intercounty football under his belt now. He came on to the scene in 2011 and was one of our main players straight away and given freetaking responsibilities. People need to realise that the years are going by fast and that is 14 years ago by the time next season throws in. Only the players at this level must know what 14 years of football at that level consists of and the toll it takes on the body. It's been many years now since he has been injury free for the season and has made a major impact through no fault of his own. Unlike Brian Fenton who was still at the peak of his powers and decided to retire. It might be a good time to walk away rather than be a bit part player with a few mins here and there. We'll just remember the good years and the epic battles with the Dubs. Just a shame we couldn't have prevailed on one occasion.

That's fair Dave Johnston and maybe he doesn't have the 76+ minutes in the legs for a fast paced game but in an era now where your finishers are more important then your starters how huge would it have been to have a proven finisher like Cillian coming in with 20 minutes to go in a tight game.

I really worry about the bench impact again this year. We are the only one of the top teams not getting a lift from our bench.

It was the winning of the all ireland for Armagh having Stefan Campbell, jarly burns and Oisin O'neill to come in and guarantee an impact off the bench when game is in the melting pot.

My worry is that McStay has tunnel vision re starting his 15 favourite players with little thought to any threat coming from the bench

But now that it seems clearer surely the worry here is he is opting out rather than retiring what if one or two more go along with him . That’s very concerning if true and it does seem to be the case now .

The fundraising or non fundraising issues are mind boggling , chairde maigheo had no meetings in 2024 , is that correct and if so what the actual fook is going on .

We need a massive bonanza of a fundraiser to develop this land gift , not a tile on the wall or a biscuit tin , not the same men organising either . Change is needed , something new . Can’t do a lot in mayo either , needs London , New York etc etc . Stop saying there is nothing to be tapped into , it’s because you’ve the same personnel doing the begging , they’re sick of the sight of your mugs . Hire new .

Cillian has been a great servant to Mayo football and fantastic footballer . Whatever his decision I wish Cillian well .
He has been plagued with injury in recent years.
If as you say he’s taking a year out, I can’t see Cillian coming back.
Kevin & his management team were a bit unlucky this year. Maybe one or two decisions here or there ?
Kevin has to add fresh players to his panel and a huge commitment.

As for Mayo County Board Convention to be held in Ballina ,in a few weeks , just to see only 1 nominee for Connacht Council Delegate - - jobs for the boys !
There was another contender (a good one at that) withdrew his name ? ? What’s going on there ? Same for one or 2 more positions ?

Already lots of negativity around the 2025 season before a ball is thrown in.

Strange that we didn’t make any bit of a shake up to our back room team and now some of our most decorated senior players appear to be opting out and not retiring.

As wide open as the 2025 championship is i dont see us coming close to winning it with our current set up and crop of players. Hope i'm wrong all the same.

As I said on the other thread its the pong that is coming off this one that is not good. Cillian making himself 'unavailable' if its because he cannot meet the fitness and commitment needs the mgmt require then that is fair enough. If its for any petty issues then that's a different ball game that the player and mgmt need to resolve and nip in the bud. A fit Cillian is a serious asset to us

We might not like to admit it but Galway will be well up there next year in terms of contenders. They've been in 2 of the last 3 AI finals. Often with a scatter of injuries as well. Not sure what Donegal and Tyrone have done to be ranked ahead of them until we see them actually do something. All their players are finished with club already so they'll get a good rest heading into next year. Apparently Peter Cooke has rejoined the squad. Another big man who can shoot. Bit more injury luck and they'll be right up there. No clear favourite for next year though which can only be good for football.

Ah Sean don't remind me about the tiles. Only in Mayo could do be done wrong & have to be re-done at our expense.
Stand - shit design & a noose around our neck.

The pitch debacle.
The recently renovated area on McHale Road. Isn't there an issue with the quality of that too.

OPW must be running the County Board

@Mac I understand that Walshes injuries are such that he is unable to train.
Cooke will add to the group but just how many good players do they need to get over the line.
Should have beaten both Kerry and Armagh.
Goalkeeper is a problem. Corofin man is superior I think.
You have to admire their Omerta since the final loss.

The management should decide who stays or goes year on year. Players should not decide all by themselves whether they will be available or not. Sentiment won't win all irelands. Great servants o Connor and o shea have been but in my book they have nothing left to give and owe us nothing. Businesses that don't take regular inventory usually goes broke. Football panels fall into same category. This is merely observation not criticism

On the county U20's, most of these lads are in third level and training or playing competitive league football with their colleges. Others will still be playing second level senior football. The third level lads travel home this weekend and train tonight with the their clubs for the u21 county competition, they train tomorrow in Ballina with the county u20's and also then either train or play a game on Sunday with their club sides and then back to their colleges football on Monday! The county have told them they have to attend the county training if they wish to be considered, and not to train with their clubs. i know this as I am very closely involved. There is no communication between the u20 management and club management about player welfare let alone those on scholarships in the colleges that are expected to play also during the week and represent their colleges. By the time Jan/Feb arrives some of these players will either be in burn out and/or injured, in advance of county u20 provincial championship kicking off. Can we please have some coordination and common sense on this issue?

James Carr at full fitness will help massively with O Connor stepping away..

A fully fit Cillian is best forward we ever had .
Always showed up on big days .

If he's decided to give it a miss for a year , wish him well and let him enjoy his year and hope he gets back to peak fitness both physically and mentally.

Don't over analysis or start doubting a civil war within the camp, just let everyone have their break and come.back and support lads in new year.

We have option for fullforward line , if all fit for me I'd be starting

...AOS......Carr......ROD

Subs both Mchales, Maheady, Towey, Diarmuid as a fullforward option , plenty options .
For me Tommy Conroy is a 12 and that's his best position

I don't believe there is civil war in the camp.
If Diarmuid plays this year it will negate all such rumors.

Oh Tuamstar :)

Some of the stuff posted on here when news breaks would honestly depress you.

Cillian has been playing championship for Mayo, either minor or senior, since 2009. That is half of his life!

He may just want a break from it for the year, a chance to travel.

Also, as much of a legend as he is, if you haven’t noticed the injuries start to pile up or legs go on him a bit in the last few years. Then you’re lying to yourself.

Not every bit of news is infighting and Armageddon.

I would think everyone has acknowledged cillian o Connors huge contribution to mayo football and it’s very doubtful we have contested so many all Ireland finals without him .The man obviously owes us or mayo football anything but the point being made is players of his age don’t take breaks from inter county football as coming back after a year out would be almost impossible.whatever his decision good luck cillian a true legend and a lifetime of great scores and great memories to look back on

I see that Pat Gilroy has resigned from the board of Croke Park in protest to the motion being brought to the Special Congress to pay County managers and the over use of Croke Park for non GAA events.
Something to think about, dead right about paying Managers, GPA agree with paying managers but I think they are using it as a step stone to paying players.

Managers have been payed for years. Might as well make it official rather than this nod and wink nonsense that's happening now with expenses. Anyone who thinks intercounty managers aren't well payed are living in la la land.

I think paying managers is the tip of the iceberg.
We all know what goes on behind closed doors in most counties and unfortunately clubs.
It is quickly leading to paying players.

We have been so lucky over last 15years to have player of the highest caliber. COC, Keith Higgins, Boyle, AOS, Parson. If COC, is stepping away, want to wish him best in future.

Mayotillidie - you can add to that list our two Footballer of the Year winners, as well as the likes of David Clarke, Chris Barrett, Seamus O’Shea, Jason Doherty and Kevin McLoughlin. We had no idea how good we had it to have a crop like that all the same time.

JR, I think the same. Gilroy has been outspoken in the past.

I'm not going to "concede" yet that we may never see Cillian in the green and red again but what a legend. My favourite Mayo player over the course of my time watching the game. All time scorer in Championship football with a higher average score per game than anyone else ( I think).....and chronically underrated nationally. Feck it anyway!

The thing is with ourselves and other teams, just one extra real quality forward can move you up a lot.
You're best three scorers are now joined by a 4th scoring threat. What was likely your former 5th or 6th best forward is now a higher quality of impact sub.
The opposition have a much harder shut down job defensively and you've only added one new player.
I don't know who that player could be, but in high summer June next year it might end up being James Maheady, Niall Hurley, Dara Hurley, Darragh Beirne, Cian McHale.
Or we don't add one real quality forward but we add two new 7/10 solid starters and a new forward sub.
We sometimes overlook just adding a depth of 7/10 players. Pretty much every exit from the chamlionship we've had since 2012 has involved a few forwards having 4, 5 or 6/10 days when we needed 7/10.
I think we could look at more physical good in the air defenders.
He's a little bit unheralded but I really liked the potential in Matthew Gordetsky. He's built like granite and he'll run into a wall for the team. He still is young so I see a high ceiling for him.

How to deal with the opposition keeper entering your 45 metre line will be huge under the new rules.
Morgan played puck in the province final.
Would any team dare to bring their own goalie out to mark him.

@JR I absolutely hate when the keeper goes up the field they should stay in between the posts whenever Reape goes out of his goal my heart always skips a beat!

It's true we have been so spoilt the last 15 years with that group of players.

Our current team though do have as much chance next year as the rest of them and they are still quite young. Aido must be the oldest now left? Least we shouldn't have any more players stepping away now hopefully.

We are not far off still things to be positive about. Hopefully we get Durcan back at some stage next year even a half in form Durcan would walk onto any team.

Cillian has been a brillant servant for Mayo always gave 100% and has that steel and determination and cool head that all champions have. He will make a great Mayo manager one day. I think injuries have caught up with him and he is doing the right thing taking a year out. When you see Brian Fenton retiring at 31 you realise that its a young mans game. I think 2025 will be McStay and Rochford's last year in charge im not expecting much this year but I do expect them to bring in some talented young lads and to come up with some sort of game plan otherwise they will leave with lots of regrets

You’ve named five newbies there JP, and I’d agree with them all. A little while ago I suggested six plausible full forward lines resulting from recent competitions. Another poster added a seventh. That’s a lot of potential. In any event, Orme, Callaghan, Neary would seem to be knocking on the door. And, with Murphy returning for Donegal (we all know why), shouldn’t we give further consideration to the likes of Drake, and Reagan. Brian Reape might not be in the retired category, but I think I saw you make a case for him recently.

I hear that last year was the first time that Fenton had injuries.
All that football takes its toll on the hips.
The amount of young footballers getting hips done is frightening.
Unbelievable that League final is the week before the Sligo game.
What a win for Ardee yesterday.

I heard the rumour about Cillian and possibly another key mayo footballer stepping away. Logged in here to see if it was true. Kevin is a nice fella but he’s a club manager at best. He set us back about 2 years on the S+C front. His man management is non existant. As a manager he’s an absolute gem for media folk, loves the microphone and sound bites. But he ended some of our players careers and was eventually ran out of the Hyde by player power. The same pattern is clearly emerging for yourselves.

@western gael. I have not heard of another key mayo player stepping away? Dissapointing with cillian for sure but it is what it is.

Don't think the blame can be all laid onto mcstay here. There are to many voices in that background team there is more to it then mcstay being all to blame here.

Your own clubman Clare is the rumour

@Cp ah jeez.. Not a good look on managemenf I do agree on that.

See what happened up in Donegal though when a certain manager was there same style of play to and crazy michael murphy is even back now and they are like a differnt team now. I think it is more the fault of the background team here then mcstay.

Anyway best of luck to cross today!

Western Gaels - whatever about McStay, the whole ticket - at the time anyway - was what was important. McStay himself said that Rochford coming on board was key; he wouldn't have taken the job otherwise. I'm not sure why all the negativity persists. I'm feeling quite upbeat, and excited by the talent that is out there. Bringing that talent on board and harnessing it is another matter of course. The new rules, if operating, should suit us, with the following caveat: our defenders will have to be razor sharp - the Cliffords, the Murphy's, the Walsh's will get a new lease of life with the greater space that will be afforded.

One thing that management will have to consider is: not just new forwards, but two-pointer forwards. Are Mahedy and Cian McHale the guys to do this? Don't know. Hope so.

Best of luck to Crossmolina.
God knows we could do with one of our home grown teams give us a performance to savour.
I don't want to hex them but have a good feeling for this team and what they can achieve.

2 hops, should win today Elphin not the may best. Poor fare so far. Not CDR fault, Elphin plenty ball but not able do a lot with it.

Agree Gizmo.
Cross probably adopted a bit better to conditions in that first half.
I'll settle for a grind out victory.

2hops I may have jinxed them a bit :/

Duffy very lucky not to get second yellow there.
CDRs kickouts putting them under pressure, and there forwards haven't been involved this half.

Still should be safe as poor Elphin could be there till the turkey cooked at Christmas before they rattle up a few scores.

Congrats to cross very close in the end though!

Congrats Cross, but I found that utterly frustrating. Joined it in the second half after the goal, listened to Mike Finnerty rhapsodising about Crossmolina for the next ten minutes, during which Elphin got three points. After about fifteen minutes it seem to dawn on the commentary team that Crossmolina were in trouble. Elphin slaughtered them on possession, but hit ridiculous wides. The only thing I saw Cross doing was getting that last free, which Duffy hit well to point. Very disappointed in Jordan, Conor and Cathal Carolan.

OK - calming down now.

Great to see Crossmolina! Was hoping to make it but had to watch online. Great to see them get the win but my God, they’ll look back on the video of that and realise they had a terrible 2nd half. Countless errors and poor decision making. How many times did they give the ball away? They can be so much better than this and I really hope they show their potential next day out. Elphin were fairly average.

But well done Cross. Keep the Mayo flag flying.

@Catcol you’re spot on. There’s way more in Jordan and Conor.

Connaught titles have become a scarcity around these parts so anyway you win them is fine for now. Plenty to work on but that will focus the mind for a tilt at national honours in the new year. Well done Crossmolina.

On Cillian. He was seriously underused last season. How many times was boyler calling for him to get greater game time on various pods. Being brought in at the end of games. I didn’t like it watching from the terrace and I’m sure Cillian didn’t like it. A lack of respect if you ask me. It’ll be hugely disappointing to see him go, but I think if Cillian felt this Mayo team with current management and tactics had a chance of winning an All Ireland then he’d stay.

Don’t start me in the u20 situation. Laurel & Hardy stuff.

It’s between Galway, Kerry and Donegal for 2025. If Galway have Cooke back it adds massive strength to their midfield. They already have a very tight defence and plenty of ammo up front and they play to a system that works. Mayo don’t (yet). McGunness will go very close with Donegal. He’ll have them raring.

Kerry- will be better than 2024 and have the lads on the line to get the team over it.

Maybe these players leaving the panel will be beneficial. It may sound cruel to say it but O’Connor has gotten his chance at an all ireland multiple times and hasn’t won it. No disrespect to him he’s a fine player and isn’t at fault for us losing but maybe we should let go of the past and try to blood some new forwards. No point on being sentimental about players who have been brilliant, we’ll never win an all ireland that way

@Mayonaze agree with you 100% total lack of respect for cillian I think. yes he had suffersd with injuries even so the lack of game time he could have gotten would not have done his confidence any good.

After watching the Ulster club semi final there now - the football in Ulster really is at a different level in terms of S and C, skills, intensity etc. We are miles off that level and falling further behind. Whether a 32 year old Cillian o Connor who has been dogged by injuries stays on another year or not is not going to change things.
Someone needs to step back and look at the bigger picture and start changing things fast.

Cillian would be good for a few years yet with the new rules, he would only have to cover half the field instead of the stupid tracking back the full forward line had to
do for last few years. If the brother stays in panel, looks like no major dispute with management .

The management tactics of 'phasing out' Cillian has back fired. It's a massive disappointment to see it appear on social media this evening. Hugh blow. IMO he was still a starter last season rather than a lad coming on. 50 odd minutes enough time for him to leave his mark. Was it the Louth game at McHale park where he got a rare start (injuries) and linked play brilliantly around him, finding spaces and picking out ROD , Tommy C etc with clever passes.

It's not as if we had ready made replacements fine tuned and ready to go, we still don't and are still well short in this part of the field especially at half forward.

I remember when McStay took over he told us he was confident that Lee Keegan 'will stay' after talks, he was gone a month later

Absolutely devastated at this news to see one of our very best step away from the panel. The lack of respect shown by the management has been disgraceful. I said last year he should be playing as he is still good enough to perform and excel at the biggest stages and leaving him out of key moments and games last year was terrible decisions, especially Derry. This is a player who is the highest scorer in championship history, has scored the most by an individual in a single championships game and scored 3 12 with only three starts and cameos from the bench last year. A brilliant player who had lots left to offer, worrying hes stepping away.

When you have players opting out in Mayo it usually means they have no faith in the plan or management team on really competing for Sam Maguire. you never heard of this happening under Horan.

@Sam og agree. Yeah never happened under Horan.

It is pretty worrying. If the rumoirs are true and there are more then just cillian going thats unrest in the camp. Sad times if true. I seriously hope no others 'opt out'..

There were no changes of substance made to backroom despite feedbback.

Having to find a whole new full forward line instead. Far from ideal.

Kevin McStay is never shy from speaking but no words now or since championship exit.

Year 1 with Ros flying out of the traps, relative early success and ultimately a flat end to championship. High profile backroom member leaves.

Year 2 with Ros. Up and down league and disappointing championship.

Year 3 with Ros. Top players won't play for management. League struggles and relegation. Nothing done in championship.

We have had mirror Years 1 and 2. Does Kevin have a Mourinho 3 year shelf life?

Year 3 with Ros

All departed
Aidan Orme
Fionn McDonagh
Liam McHale
Cillian O'Connor
And a possible 4 more according to Maurice Brosnan in the Irish Examiner and Ah Ref post

The big question for me is have the management learned anything in the year. And will it mean change in tactics in 2025. Sadly some players have regressed, curbed, asked to play a game of possession at all costs.
The players in particular that come to my mind are Carney and Flynn, they are leaders and need to be trusted and believed in by management. Instead they are controlled.
I'm not sure which was the biggest offense, giving O Connor Little game time or taking O Shea off in the last quarter.
Gaelic football was always meant to be a game of calculated risk and not saturated possession.

I would Kevin mcstay will now have to come out and explain the cillian situation.it’s all very well that Aidan o Shea tried to convince him to stay on but did the management.we have seen players in the twilight of their careers making a difference in closing out a game like Alan brogan in 2015 .it’s just a shame for Cillians playing days with mayo to end like this .Maybe there is no story to tell but Kevin could clear this up very quickly without any further speculation

@Sam Og

Everyone on that list bar Cillian went about 18 months ago.

Awful negative take on Cillian.
When I fist heard it, my thoughts were he’s giving the body a break. 14 years is serious mileage. Playing a bit part must also be frustrating but most of the FF line selections have played well and have to look to the future especially in the league. I don’t think he’s played well enough to be a starter and some of that time was definitely injury sharpness recovery.
As I see it managements have done well enough given the options available. This year was an improvement despite earlier exit. The team who should have won the AI beat us luckily by 1, the great dubs and an improving Derry couldn’t beat us and we had no aberration like the Cork game.
I rate Galway as the best team next year but they must have doubts about management after this year. That said, Geezer had to ride out some bad near misses before ultimate glory. Donegal are on a serious bounce and could kick on even more. Kerry will always be there abouts and Clifford is still the best around. Dubs will have a very deep panel and Armagh have their tails up. I’d have us next along with Derry and Tyrone and only a small distance off but we need to find a star or 2. Paddy will at best just get game time as players are always 10 or 15% off the first year back from ACL and he was our top defender. Where those stars are is anyone’s guess. Some have been name dropped as possibilities and it can happen (Paudie Clifford was a late developer in Kerry). Carr has been unlucky with injury but is getting on. Tommy C is probably more dangerous at 11 or 12 and I expect he’ll be a bigger handful for defenders with that injury even further in the rear view mirror. We just need 1 or 2 more to jump a level.

As a very strong Galway supporter I wasn't always a fan of some of Cillians tactics...but as a footballer he was excellent and different class.
This showed so obviously in a sometimes otherwise mediocre Mayo attack

As an analyst on GA Go Galway match v Dublin I thought he was first class.
Enjoy the break.

Very disappointing news that Cillian is taking a year out.Not only is he a huge loss around the panel but obviously he doesn't see the current panel coming anywhere close to ending the famine either.

For God sake, some of the stuff written on here is just nonsense.

Galway have had players opt out of the panel consistently in the past few years and you don't see any whinging or people questioning if management should go.

Lets be realistic here, Cillian is an all time great but he hasn't been good enough the past few years. His limited game time is down to the fact that he was not playing better than Aidan, Tommy or Ryan, and that he didn't have the legs to play 70 minutes.

Its a big commitment to play for Mayo and its an even bigger commitment when you aren't getting the rewards that playing regularly brings.

We have loads of promising players coming through so lets get behind them.

We need to grow up a little and look at things with a serious, ruthless eye if we ever want to win an All Ireland.
Cillian is no doubt a big loss but he has been dogged by injuries the past 2 seasons to the point that management couldn't rely on his availability to plan an attack including him. However I am surprised that he has decided to go considering the new rules in effect for next season will see 3 forwards being kept up at all times. This rule will reduce the mileage full forwards will be clocking up and there are not many cuter forwards in the game than Cillian where his ability to win frees and win his own ball would have been advantageous in these new rules. It is these very tactics that have enticed Murphy out of retirement in Donegal - over 2 years older than Cillian!
Of course, the elephant in the room is what the hell is going on behind the scenes and this is where I place 100% of the blame for all the "pub talk" on the county board and Seamus Tuohy. They damaged McStays authority by hanging him out to dry for months while their "review" went on. The silence was deafening and they "chickened out" of either publicly backing McStay or firing him. Throw in McHale leaving (was he such a loss when you see how poorly he has done with the Ladies since?), the rumblings around Rochford and the continued incompetence of our county board with regards to providing proper training facilities, then McStay is starting 2025 on the back foot.
At a time when there hasn't been a better chance of winning an All Ireland since 2014 we go into the new season as damaged goods.

Unstoppable - you are spot on. All counties- Kerry, Tyrone, Cork etc have players who opt out of the county panel.
Older players in particular who have been in County panels for a few years and are not guaranteed a starting place - these lads in all counties are looking at the bigger picture and asking the question is the commitment worth it. A lot of older players - in all counties - are saying no.

Cillian's been an amazing player who's an all time great whether he's back next year or done. Watching him over 15, 16 and 17 in particular was unreal.

If Cillian was a starter in every match for us next year we'd be in trouble - could well be wrong re the new tactics that we might get with different rules. Under the new system it feels like him coming off the bench could do a lot more damage than what we've seen in previous seasons recently. I'd imagine that his presence around the squad would be huge too. Without his experience / standing, any young forward would really be looking to Ryan.

If this opting out is to do with management and review it's a real shame, as I don't yet see him not being able to hold down a squad position given our other options.

Evening lads,

Looks like a winter of discontent in a few counties and questions in many.

Dublin looks like entering a fallow period by their standards.

Kerry having lost one of best young talents to add to last years departures to the AFL and the prospect of more going.
We've a complete change of selectors and coaches and concerns over the awful football we played last year.

Now issues seem to be appearing in Mayo.
Cillian was a very good player who gave great service.
I would say though without being disrespectful I think opting out is really retirement when you are 32 and have the miles he has.

These proposed new rules could have worked for Cillian like the returning Micheal Murphy.
I think he'd have benefited from the space and the 3 up rule.

Let's see what teams adapt best to the new rules but one thing for sure is Mayo will be kicking the ball far more and I think that will be good for Mayo.