Galway vs Mayo in the rare, modern times

Galway would go on to define McStay’s footballing career. The manager who influenced him the most was Liam O’Neill, the famous Galway native who rejuvenated Mayo and led them to a Connacht title in 1985

Fri, 03 May, 2024 - 20:33

Maurice Brosnan

Last year a host of illustrious greats from Galway’s past descended on the footballing heartland of Tuam for a maroon and white celebration. Popular local journalist Jim Carney, who was previously the first host of The Sunday Game, was launching his lifelong passion project, a book about Seán Purcell and Frank Stockwell.

Already the town and its surrounding parishes are a hotbed for the majority of All-Ireland football medals won by Galway players. Between Celtic Crosses, club All-Irelands and Connacht titles, that day the Ard Rí House Hotel was a gold mine. Even Galway SFC medals were a weak currency in that prosperous economy. It was a Who’s Who of Hall of Fame Tribesmen. Then Mayo manager Kevin McStay walked in the door.