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Mike Shaughnessy
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Kevin McStay's presentation was 'too radical' for Mayo - Liam McHale

“Kevin McStay said, ‘Paddy let me get this clear, you want me to go for an interview for a job that’s already gone?’”

LIAM MCHALE HAS criticised the Mayo county board for the “mess” they’ve made over the appointment of James Horan’s replacement.

Speaking on Newstalk’s Off the Ball on Tuesday evening, McHale told Joe Molloy that his and McStay’s presentation was deemed “too radical” for the county board’s liking.

Mayo released a statement on Saturday night confirming that Noel Connelly and Pat Holmes were the interview committee’s recommendations for the vacant managerial position.

The duo led Mayo U21s to All-Ireland glory in 2006, but the appointment became shrouded in controversy when Breaffy clubman Gerry Bourke resigned from the county bard, describing the process as a “sham.”

“I met Kevin at 11.30 on Saturday morning and he looked very down,” said McHale.

“He said to me ‘Unfortunately Liam, our presentation wasn’t successful and Noel and Pat are getting the job.’

“We spoke for a while and whilst we were very dissapointed, we were quite happy to see Noel and Pat to get the job. I would have played with both in 1996/97 and I’d regard the two boys as good friends of mine.

“I drove home from St. Brigid’s training at about 5 o’clock and Kevin rang me to say he had got a call from Paddy McNicholas (Mayo county board chairman) again trying to arrange an interview with him for Tuesday.

“Kevin said, ‘Paddy let me get this clear, you want me to go for an interview for a job that’s already gone?’

“Kevin felt that Paddy was trying to influence him into stating that he was going to pull out and obviously that would clear the way for Noel and Pat to come in.”

McHale believes the radical nature of their presentation wasn’t looked upon favourably by the county board.

“Kevin was told that our presentation was a little bit too radical, there was a little bit too much change in it for the county board.

“Paddy McNicholas went off on a solo run on his own. He obviously took it upon himself to ring Kevin when he wasn’t supposed to and I suppose because of this phonecall all this controversy has arisen.”

Mayo board executive member resigns after manager appointment process is ‘a sham’

Kerry play their first match as All-Ireland champions later this evening

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