Snub for Mayo job Kevin McStay’s big regret

Kevin McStay says that not being selected as Mayo boss last year is the biggest disappointment of his GAA career.

The former All Star, who has been installed as joint Roscommon manager with Fergal O’Donnell, wanted to take charge of his native county having also been overlooked in 1996 when he went for the post.

The Sunday Game analyst reveals the depth of his disappointment in an unique new GAA book called ‘The Scrapbook of Regrets’ which has been produced by a small national school in Leitrim.

St Hugh’s National School in Dowra, where former Leitrim footballer Pádraig Kenny is principal, contacted over 150 GAA personalities and asked them to reveal their biggest regrets.

Money raised from the sale of the book will be used to improve their sporting facilities.

McStay, an All-Ireland runner-up in 1989 when they lost to Cork, listed being overlooked as manager as his biggest regret.

“Failing to secure the position of Mayo senior football team manager,” he said in his response.

“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.”

The Ballina native, who has lived in Roscommon for years, felt he was ready to take charge of Mayo a year ago when they plumped for Noel Connelly and Pat Holmes to take over from James Horan.

“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.”