Holmes and Connelly resign from Mayo roles after player pressure

Pat Holmes and Noel Connelly last night bowed to the demands of the Mayo players in resigning their role as the county’s joint-managers.

The pair informed the County Board executive of their decision at a meeting in MacHale Park shortly after 7pm. Holmes and Connelly received a standing ovation from officers after delivering their parting statement.

Their fate was sealed after Thursday’s crisis talks between the board executive and up to 25 members of the Mayo panel lasted no more than 10 minutes. Top-brass had expected an explanation from the players as to why they voted ‘no confidence’ in management, but their refusal to engage put paid to faint hopes of a resolution.

“We took on the job on a three-year basis and had been looking forward to building on what had been achieved this year,” the pair said last night.

“By resigning we wish to remove any obstacle that the players might perceive as preventing them from winning the All-Ireland.

“We would like to thank the backroom team for their superb effort and commitment. We wish to thank the Mayo County Board for their support and for all the funding and resources they provided for the team. We would like to thank the players for all their efforts during 2015. We would also like to thank the people of Mayo for the huge support and messages of goodwill throughout the year and in the last week. Mhaigh Éo Abú.”

The October meeting of the Mayo County Board is scheduled for Monday week where the position will top the agenda. Corofin All-Ireland club-winning manager and Crossmolina native Stephen Rochford is favourite to take over.