GAA:John O'Mahony has stepped aside as Mayo manager in the wake of last night's shock defeat to Longford in the All-Ireland senior football qualifiers. Mayo were beaten 1-12 to 0-14 at Pearse Park to end their championship campaign.
O'Mahony, who took charge of the county four years ago, was bitterly disappointed with the result and told the players he was moving on in the dressing room immediately after the game.
"I'm very disappointed," O'Mahony said last night. "I just told the players that I'm stepping down as manager. I put four years into it, I do think those lads will have their day in the sun. It's not an easy thing to say after losing to a perceived weaker team, but I'm absolutely convinced of that.
"It's a results-driven game from a management point of view, I've done four years and I wish them well and will continue to be a Mayo supporter."
Mayo had led by three points at the break, 0-7 to 0-4, but were unable to contain Longford in the second half as the home side recorded a famous win over the Connacht side.
All-Ireland qualifiers first round results:
Offaly 2-18 Clare 1-18
Armagh 2-14 Donegal 0-11
Carlow 2-9 Derry 1-18
Longford 1-12 Mayo 0-14
Cavan 0-15 Wicklow 2-8
Kildare 0-15 Antrim 0-15 (after extra-time)