MAYO GAA have apologised to former manager Kevin McStay for the county board statement issued ‘relieving’ him of his duties.
The statement – which was released nearly two weeks ago – has received heavy backlash from the GAA community.
It has been labelled as “the most disrespectful and least empathetic thing you could see” by Lee Keegan.
In a meeting between the Executive and Mayo club representatives, Vice Chairperson Michael Diskin issued an apology on behalf of Mayo GAA.
Per Midwest Radio, he said: “The Executive would like to express clearly and unreservedly that it was never the intention of the Executive to cause offence.
“The manner and tone of the original communication didn’t adequately reflect the deep respect and appreciation we hold for Kevin.
“For this, we offer our heartfelt apologies.”
The Ballina native took the role in 2023 and won the NFL Division 1 title in his first year at the helm.
However there was a lack of Championship success during his tenure, as Galway scooped four Connacht titles in a row and his side failed to pass the quarter-final stage in the All-Ireland series.
The 63-year-old had to step aside from his role as manager due to health reasons following a medical incident which occurred during a training session.
Stephen Rochford took charge of the Westerners just a week before their shock 2-17 to 1-13 win against Tyrone in the second round of the group stages.
Despite the statement win, Mayo failed to progress to the knockout stages as they fell to a heartbreaking 0-19 to 1-15 loss to Donegal in the final round of group games, finishing bottom of their group.
Just 10 days after the Maritime counties championship exit, Mayo GAA released the controversial statement regarding McStay’s future.
The statement read: “A decision was made to relieve Kevin McStay and his management team from their roles with the Mayo Senior Football Team with immediate effect.
“We would like to sincerely thank Kevin and his management team for their time, effort, and commitment to the Mayo Senior Football Team during their tenure.
“Their dedication to the players and the jersey has been greatly appreciated by all involved with Mayo GAA.
“We wish Kevin and his management team every success in the future, both on and off the field.
“An update regarding the future management of the Senior Football Team will be provided in due course.”
Kevin McStay also served as a player for Mayo in the 80s. The 1985 All-star won two Connacht titles with the Westerners.
The former Army officer was an Under-21 All-Ireland winner and was also apart of the 1989 Mayo team who lost out to Cork in the All-Ireland final.
