There is a controversy brewing in Mayo over the managerial selection process which saw Noel Connelly and Pat Holmes appointed joint managers over the early favourite Kevin McStay.
One member of the executive committee of Mayo GAA has resigned, calling the process 'a sham'.
Gerry Bourke told Edwin McGreal in the Mayo News that the executive committee had met on Friday where it was agreed interviews would be conducted this Tuesday and Wednesday with the two nominations, namely the Connelly/Holmes joint ticket and McStay.
A three man interview panel was put in place and a series of questions were drawn up.
However, shortly after the meeting, Kevin McStay received a phone call from Mayo chairman Paddy McNicholas, telling him Connelly and Holmes were the preferred choice.
The following day at 6pm however, McNicholas went on Mid West radio to reject reports that McStay had dropped out of the running.
Less than three hours later, the Mayo PRO announced that the interview panel had met the Executive committee and recommended Connelly and Holmes.
Four members of the executive committee told the Mayo News that this meeting never happened.
It has been a controversial time for the Mayo county board. Departing manager James Horan was scathing about their failure to 'stand up for the team' over the GAA's decision to move the All-Ireland semi-final replay to Kerry.
Horan also criticised the county board more generally for the role they played throughout his tenure in charge. Mayo GAA, laden with debts from the redevelopment of McHale Park, have been worried about costs for some time, but Horan argued that money wasn't the only problem,
Of course money is a big part of it but mainly people need to work together for the betterment of Mayo football and it’s fairly clear that this didn’t always happen.
Is it possible that the county board and the structures could be better aligned to give the team a better chance of success? The answer to that would be yes.
Holmes has been Mayo senior manager before from 2000 to 2003, during which he guided Mayo to a National League title but failed to land a single provincial championship. Along with Connelly, he led the Mayo U21's to an All-Ireland victory in 2006. Connelly captained Mayo from wing back during their tumultuous 1996 and 1997 seasons.
