Finnegan resigns from Kildare to join McStay at Mayo

Sean Finnegan has stepped down as manager of Kildare ladies in order to join long-term friend Kevin McStay as part of his backroom staff at Mayo’s mens side.

Kildare LGFA announced the development late yesterday saying “It is with regret that Kildare LGFA announce that Sean Finnegan has stepped away from his role as Kildare Ladies Manager.” Finnegan has enjoyed a successful sole year in management and led the team to victory in the Intermediate Leinster Championship.

Another managerial development that took place last night was the appointment of Kevin McStay as the new manager of Mayo’s senior men team. A Mayo native himself, Finnegan is a former friend and colleague of McStay and attributed wanting to work with him as the reason for his resignation at Kildare LGFA.

“A number of weeks ago I was approached by my friend and army colleague of over 40 years Kevin McStay and he asked would I join his management team for the Mayo County Manager position. I had previously been involved with Kevin in the Roscommon team from 2016-2018.

Tonight, he was formally appointed to this position, and I have taken the decision to join him in this journey. As a passionate Mayo man, I have always wanted to become involved with my own county and so this opportunity was one I could not pass up,” said Finnegan in his final statement.

With McStay being appointed as James Horan’s successor, Finnegan made clear that the decision to step down was a difficult one, but that he couldn’t turn the opportunity away. Nonetheless he was full of praise and gratitude for his everyone involved at Kildare during his year long spell.

“I am very sad to be leaving this team, I really enjoyed getting to know and work closely with the group. I firmly believe that they will achieve great success in the years ahead. Wonderful work has been done at Club and County level for the last number of years and the recent results at U-14, U-16, and Minor, shows that the future is indeed bright, “he added.

Kildare LGFA announced that the replacement process for their new manager will begin in the coming days.