Speculation has already begun over who will succeed James Horan as Mayo manager.

The Ballintubber man brought the curtain down on his four-year reign following last night's heart-breaking All-Ireland SFC semi-final replay loss to Kerry. Despite failing to deliver an elusive All-Ireland title, Horan will be a hard act to follow after winning a four-in-a-row of Connacht crowns and guiding the Westerners to successive All-Ireland appearances in 2012 and 2013.

Veteran forward Alan Dillon has described Horan's departure as the "end of an era". He tweeted: "It's unthinkable what James Horan & his backroom have done the past 4 years, he's a absolute legend and sincere thanks. End of an Era."

It's unthinkable what James Horan & his backroom have done the past 4 years, he's a absolute legend and sincere thanks. End of a Era. (2of2)

- Alan Dillon (@Alan_Dillon) August 31, 2014

Kevin McStay is certain to be among the favourites to fill the vacancy. The RTE pundit was a star Mayo forward in the 1980s and guided St. Brigid's of Roscommon to All-Ireland club glory last year. Mayo native and former Dublin and Offaly manager Tommy Lyons is another possible contender as is current minor boss Enda Gilvarry, who masterminded Mayo's All-Ireland success in the U18 grade 11 months ago.

Pat Holmes will also have his supporters after leading Castlebar Mitchels to an All-Ireland club final appearance last March. During his previous stint as Mayo manager, he won a National League title in 2001.

And John O'Mahony's name will inevitably crop up too, despite him having already served the post on two separate occasions. Former midfielder Liam McHale, who worked with McStay during his time in charge of St. Brigid's, could also be in with a shout.

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