26-05-2025
Mayo manager Kevin McStay announces he is stepping back for the 'immediate future' due to health 'issues'
Mayo senior football manager Kevin McStay is stepping back from his role for the immediate future to deal with personal health issues.
The county confirmed that assistant manager Stephen Rochford will take charge of the footballers for the foreseeable future as McStay recuperates from a reported 'medical episode' on Saturday.
According to the Examiner, the episode occurred during a training session Hastings Insurance MacHale Park with the 63-year-old subsequently brought to hospital where he is being monitored.
McStay has been in charge of the Mayo senior team since 2022 and led his county to Allianz League Divsion 1 glory in his maiden campaign in 2023.
County chairman Seamus Tuohy confirmed that McStay intends to return to his role when he has recovered.
"We extend our best wishes to Kevin and thank him for all his work to date," Tuohy said in a statement. "We look forward to him returning to the role as soon as it is practical for him to do so. We also stand fully behind Stephen and everyone involved in the set-up."
McStay meanwhile gave his full support to Rochford and he believes that the presence of the Crossmolina man will ensure continuity within the team. Rochford is no stranger tot he role and was manager in his own right from 2016 until 2018, losing out on the All-Ireland final replay by one point to the Dubs.
McStay said: "Mayo GAA Board and I are in strong agreement that current Assistant Manager/Head Coach Stephen Rochford will lead our preparations for upcoming games.
"We are blessed to have a man of Stephen's calibre and, as a valued member of the management team for the past three seasons, he ensures continuity. While I will not be on the training field or on the sideline on match day, I will be with management and players in spirit every step of the way."
Mayo, who lost their opening All-Ireland group match to Cavan last weekend, will be up against Tyrone next Saturday in Omagh, before playing their final group fixture against Donegal on Saturday, 14 June.
