An Interview with Kevin McStay, Mayo U-21 manager and former Mayo Senior Footballer
Congratulations on your superb Hastings Cup win! Did you expect the team to do so well in the competition?
Yes
What do you think are the chances of the U-21’s winning the All Ireland this year or in the next few years?
Quite good this year – probabaly better next year. Unfortunately getting out of the Province is very difficult every year.
Who do you believe are the key players in your U-21 team which could have a vital role to play in the Mayo Senior team in the near future?
David Clarke, MJ Meenaghan, Ronan Loftus , James Gill and all the forwards have possibilities. But it is very difficult to be definitive – ones you expect often disappoint, injury , etc
How do you rate Crossmolinas chances on St. Patrick’s day?
Very highly – they will win by a few points if they don’t freeze and as they are a mature team that is very unlikely. They have NO Under 21s so you can see how experienced they are.
Do you believe the Mayo championship is strong enough to keep producing clubs which will challenge for the All Ireland Club Championship yearly in the future?
Definitely – just look at the recent record; Castlebar, Knockmore, Ballina and now Crossmolina
The Mayo Senior Team are doing very well in the League. Do you believe there will be many changes in the squad which will feature in the championship panel?
Very few as Pat will have to show faith in a squad that has progressed fairly well
How do rate Mayo’s chances in the All Ireland this year and do you think Mayo are capable of getting Sam back in the next 5 years?
Not great this year but in about three years or so there will be alot of very talented players around
the scene.
There is a lot of concern about Mayo’s run in the League, for example Derry did very well in it last year but they were flops in the Championship. Do you think Mayo may suffer the same hangover?
Nobody knows for sure how the new championship will pan out but Mayo will be in for a difficult time against Sligo and then possibly a difficult draw if they were to lose to them.
How do you rate Mayo Minors chances of bringing home the bacon this year?
No idea
Who in your honest opinion do you believe will be All Ireland Champions 2001 and why?
Galway – they will have JA Fallon back and that was all they were missing this year.
Thanks very much Kevin for your time.
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