Mayo manager Kevin McStay steps back from role due to health issues

Eva Osborne

Mayo senior football manager Kevin McStay has announced he is stepping back from the role due to health issues.

Mayo GAA confirmed that assistant manager Stephen Rochford will take over for upcoming games.

In a statement, 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."

Chair of Mayo GAA, Seamus Tuohy, said: “We extend our best wishes to Kevin and thank him for all his work to date. 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."

Mayo GAA said it will be making no further statement on the matter and would ask that Kevin and his family be afforded privacy at this time.

McStay has led Mayo to two finals recently, the Division 1 and Connacht deciders.

Mayo were beaten by Kerry in March, before a defeat to Galway in Castlebar earlier this month.

Mayo face Tyrone in Omagh next Saturday, before a clash against Donegal at a neutral venue on June 14th or 15th.