Kevin McStay hits out at GAA over inability to fund smaller counties

Kevin McStay has stepped down as manager of Roscommon footballers effective immediately following three years at the helm.

The Mayo native took charge of the Rossies in 2016 and fans will look back on his tenure as a successful one.

• Connacht Championship Winners (July 2017)
• All Ireland Quarter Finalists (July 2017)
• Connacht League (March 2018)
• Division 2 Champions & Promotion to 2019 NFL Div 1 (April 2018)
• All Ireland Quarter Finalists (July 2018)

Ever the classy individual, McStay released a statement following his resignation where he gave thanks to many of the people involved throughout his time as manager. A list too long to recite. However, he did mention the many controversies he had to face throughout his spell in charge.

 "In reviewing my time in charge I have to acknowledge the inordinate amount of time I spent dealing with financial and facility issues, personnel issues, media issues and the various contentious and controversial events that kept arising over those seasons."

McStay also made a statement regarding the GAA's inability to finance smaller counties around Ireland. Claiming that if the GAA want teams to be competitive once again then they must get the relevant support needed.

"Success is what we all crave but we must understand our reality too. While Roscommon is a proud football county, it is a small county with a limited playing pool and deficits in resources and facilities. The budget required to finance success at the highest level demands year-round attention. Facilities, Catering, Kit & Equipment, Professional expertise and, especially, Travel costs are major financial drainers and they are placing a massive burden on voluntary officers that is often overwhelming. These are the significant challenges the smaller GAA counties face. If the GAA is committed to ensuring all counties are, at a minimum, competitive, then they must be supported financially in a way that reflects the demands and the need for fairness, equity and solidarity."

McStay's comments will be a hot topic given the recent conversation around the financial backing that is given to Dublin, which many see as the reason they have become so successful and are so far ahead of the chasing pack in Gaelic football. McStay's statement can be read in full here.