Kevin McStay looks set for now ‘open’ Roscommon football post

Kevin McStay’s appointment as the sole Roscommon senior football manager for 2017 is to be put to the clubs before any confirmation can be made.

This year’s joint manager (with McStay) Fergal O’Donnell, has informed the Roscommon county board of his intention to step down from his role during a review meeting on Tuesday night. Selectors Stephen Bohan and David Casey are also departing.

McStay and O’Donnell were both ratified by the clubs in late 2015, with the duo proving a hugely popular appointment throughout the county before a rollercoaster season. And so, having been ratified as a duo, McStay will again need the backing of the clubs to continue on his own. He, and any other new candidates will be considered at the next county board meeting later this month.

Following Wednesday night’s county board management committee meeting Roscommon GAA confirmed that after the breakup of their existing management team, they would be following their regular 'procedures' in ratifying a new one. With step one being the reopening of the manager’s position.

“Following on from the resignation of Fergal O’Donnell from the position of joint manager of the Roscommon Senior Football team the Roscommon GAA County Management Committee has agreed to open the position of County Team Manager to an open competition,” read their brief statement.

McStay has been present at various club championship matches in recent weeks and it is unlikely that he will face any stern competition for the role. Once put forward to, and passed by the clubs, as expected he will be free to begin preparations for next season.

The committee also discussed O’Donnell’s outgoing statement. On Wednesday morning he, Bohan and Casey released expressed “their regret and disappointment that myself, Stephen Bohan and David Casey have decided to resign from our roles as joint manager and selectors with the Roscommon senior football team.

“Having been asked 12 months ago to contribute to making Roscommon a force again over a three-year term, we were wholeheartedly committed to achieving that goal.

“Our decision to depart now is made in the best interests of Roscommon football and with a view to removing the inevitable distraction that would result from a potentially divisive contest for the position of manager between myself and Kevin (McStay).

‘Undermine and disparage’

“Recently, a concerted effort has been made (outside of management and players) to undermine and disparage us and it is especially disappointing and damaging that those involved purport to be concerned about the promotion of GAA within the county.

“We want to thank the backroom team, the county board, our generous sponsors, our loyal supporters, Club Rossie and most importantly the players for their dedication, sacrifice and commitment to Roscommon’s cause.”

“Roscommon has a hugely talented group of footballers. Now, as supporters, we share the hope that they will continue to learn, develop and ultimately fulfil their potential. To this end, we wish the team every success in the future.”