John Maughan out of Mayo management race

Maughan out of Mayo management race


Mike Finnerty

The latest twist in the Mayo senior manager saga arrived last night (Thursday) when John Maughan revealed that he was pulling out of the race to succeed John O’Mahony.
Maughan informed Mayo GAA Chairman, James Waldron, of his decision to withdraw from the interview process in a telephone call yesterday evening .
“I was very interested in the job but following a discussion with the chairman of the county board last night I decided not to pursue my interest in the position any further,” he commented.
Maughan’s surprise departure leaves Tommy Lyons, James Horan and Anthony McGarry as the only remaining candidates for the vacant post.
Stagg Betting reacted to the news last night by slashing the odds on Tommy Lyons being the next Mayo manager to 1/8. James Horan remains the second favourite at 3/1 with Anthony McGarry at 14/1.
Mayo News columnist Kevin McStay also gave his reaction to the news this morning (Friday).
“I’m not surprised. I felt earlier in the week that John would probably pull out by Friday once he read the signals that came from Tuesday night’s County Board meeting and the make-up of the selection committee,” said McStay.
“John hasn’t revealed his reasons publicly yet for pulling out but I would say he figured out that support at County Board level had drained away. I think he got a sense that, once he saw the make-up of the selection committee, it wasn’t one that was going to propose him.
“I’m just speculating, of course, but what disappoints me is that John Maughan seems to have pulled out because he felt there was ‘shennanigans’ going on, that the process is not being conducted in the manner it should be.“
And what of the three contenders left standing?
“I think James Horan’s candidacy will be very strong,” remarked the RTE Sunday Game pundit.” He will interview well. And Anthony McGarry seems to be getting very organised too.
“I think there’s going to be great competition but the smart money would have to be on Tommy Lyons.”

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