Pat Spillane hammers Mayo GAA for treatment of “most insightful man in football”

He did not hold back!

He had stepped back from the role during the summer because of a 'medical episode', with assistant Stephen Rochford stepping in on a temporary basis.

In his three years at the helm, McStay's side reached the preliminary quarter-finals, the quarter-finals, and the group stage of the All-Ireland SFC.

But despite a disappointing reign, Mayo GAA came in for a huge amount of criticism for their statement announcing that McStay and his management team would be relieved of their duties.

It said: "We would like to sincerely thank Kevin and his management team for their time, effort, and commitment to the Mayo Senior Football Team during their tenure.

"Their dedication to the players and the jersey has been greatly appreciated by all involved with Mayo GAA.

"We wish Kevin and his management team every success in the future, both on and off the field.

"An update regarding the future management of the Senior Football Team will be provided in due course."

Fans and ex-players felt that it was a heartless way to handle the situation, given McStay's medical history, and writing in his Sunday World column, Kerry legend, Pat Spillane, agreed.

He wrote: "Kevin McStay deserves a mention. The blatant lack of respect shown to him by the Mayo County Board statement infuriated me, I have to be honest.

"I know Kevin. After working with him on The Sunday Game, I can vouch that he is a very honourable man, a guy who gave huge service to Mayo both as a player and manager.

"A man who was, in my opinion, the most insightful Gaelic football analyst in the game. He didn’t deserve that blackguarding."