Mayo snub McStay's biggest regret

November 24, 2015

Kevin McStay. INPHO

Kevin McStay admits that being overlooked as Mayo senior football manager last year is the biggest disappointment of his GAA career.

The Ballina native, who has since been appointed as joint-manager of Roscommon, was snubbed in favour of Noel Connelly and Pat Holmes, who were subsequently ousted after just one season in charge.

In a generously detailed contribution to a new GAA book called 'The Scrapbook of Regrets', produced by St Hugh's National School in Dowra, County Leitrim and listing the biggest regrets of over 150 GAA personalities, former All Star McStay touched on how hurt he was to be overlooked by the powers that be in his native county, in an excerpt which is carried in the Irish Examiner:

"Failing to secure the position of Mayo senior football team manager," the Ballina native responded. "It became vacant in August 2014 and it was my second time to apply for this prestigious position.

"It was an appointment I was keen to fill. I had worked tirelessly to be ready if the opportunity arose and when it did I applied both publicly and immediately.

"Over a period of 20 years of club and county management at various levels, I knew I was ready for the responsibilities and challenges and believed strongly I could make a difference. Coupled with my media interests, experience and the confidence gained from managing the 2013 All-Ireland Club champions, St Brigid's, Roscommon, I knew I had the enthusiasm, energy and know-how to manage my county at the highest level.

"Those charged with making this appointment felt otherwise and that, of course, is their prerogative."


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