DES Cahill and Lee Keegan have led the consternation at the tone of Mayo’s statement announcing the end of Kevin McStay’s tenure.
The line that really jarred described how the 63-year-old had been “relieved from his role.”
The unnecessarily cold language is more akin with what you’d expect from a Premier League soccer club.
That point was touched on by former Sunday Game host Cahill and county great Keegan.
Cahill fumed on X: “Absolutely no class from Mayo GAA. Totally insensitive to Kevin McStay who served the county since he was a teenager.
“I wonder if Mayo sponsors stand over the tone and language used in dumping a group, who admittedly failed to win an All-Ireland – like every predecessor since 1951.”
Similarly the 2016 Footballer of the Year posted: “Ah Mayo GAA never cease to amaze the good people. Kevin and his backroom deserved better than that s*** statement.”
Meath legend Bernard Flynn went even further in his condemnation of the county board’s statement.
He raged: “What a horrible disgusting way to treat a really good classy guy like Kevin McStay.
“No game until next February & to do this to a gentleman who has been unwell & one who has served his county with distinction. Mayo GAA Is just SHAMEFUL.”
The Ballina native had taken the reins ahead of the 2023 campaign and led them to NFL Division 1 glory in his first year in charge.
But they failed to win any championship silverware under his watch, as Galway bagged their fourth Connacht title in a row against them this summer.
McStay stepped aside due to health concerns after their shock All-Ireland group stage defeat to Cavan, and coach Stephen Rochford took the reins.
They defeated Tyrone in round 2 earlier this month but were knocked out of the championship following their round 3 loss to Donegal at Dr. Hyde Park.
Former stars Austin O’Malley, Andy Moran and ex-gaffer James Horan are among the candidates for the job.
O’Malley led Cuala to All-Ireland club SFC glory this year, while former hitman Moran is a coach with All-Ireland quarter-finalists Monaghan.
Horan managed the county from 2010-2014 and 2018-2022, leading them to six Connacht titles and three All-Ireland finals across both stints in charge.
Meanwhile Andy McEntee has departed as Antrim boss after three years at the helm.
The former Meath manager led them to back to back Tailteann Cup semi-finals last year, but suffered a preliminary quarter-final loss to Wexford earlier this month.
