Mayo boss McStay 'steps back from role for immediate future'

Mayo manager Kevin McStay says he is stepping back from his role for the immediate future to deal with some personal health issues.

In a statement issued by Mayo on Monday night, they confirmed that assistant manager Stephen Rochford would take charge in the interim and that McStay intends to return to his role when he has recovered.

"We extend our best wishes to Kevin and thank him for all his work to date," said Mayo county chairman Seamus Tuohy.

"We look forward to him returning to the role as soon as it is practical for him to do so. We also stand fully behind Stephen and everyone involved in the set-up."

McStay is in his third season in charge of the Mayo senior team, having led his native county to the Football League Division One title in his first term at the helm in 2023.

Mayo lost their opening All-Ireland group match to Cavan and will face Tyrone in Omagh on Saturday, before playing their final game of the round-robin series against Donegal on 14 June.

McStay offered his to Rochford taking over the reins during his period of absence.

"Mayo GAA Board and I are in strong agreement that current Assistant Manager/Head Coach Stephen Rochford will lead our preparations for games," said the 63-year-old.

"We are blessed to have a man of Stephen's calibre and, as a valued member of the management team for the past three seasons, he ensures continuity.

"While I will not be on the training field or on the sideline on match day, I will be with management and players in spirit every step of the way."