Horan rules out return as Mayo GAA expresses regret over tone of McStay statement

James Horan has ruled himself out of the running for a third stint as Mayo football manager.

Horan has informed Mayo chairman Seamus Tuohy that he won’t be seeking a return to the hotseat. The Ballintubber clubman was seen as a leading contender to replace the departed Kevin McStay along with the likes of ex-Sligo boss and Mayo selector Tony McEntee and Cuala All-Ireland club winning manager Austin O’Malley.

“I won’t be going for the Mayo manager position,” Horan told the Irish Examiner podcast.

“Not at all. It is not for me.

“I had a go at that and I think it's time for Mayo to look at someone different or something different. I’m just a supporter and happy in that position, going to the games with my young fella, cheering them on."

Meanwhile, Mayo GAA have apologised to McStay for the wording of the statement confirming that he had been 'relieved of his duties' last month.

Addressing delegates at last night's rescheduled county board meeting, Mayo GAA vice-chairman Michael Diskin said that the executive “express clearly and unreservedly that it was never the intention of the executive to cause offence."

He added: "The manner and tone of the original communication didn’t adequately reflect the deep respect and appreciation we hold for Kevin. For this, we offer our heartfelt apologies.”