PAT HOLMES AND Noel Connelly have aired their grievances about the player revolt that ousted them as joint Mayo managers in 2015.
It’s the first time they have spoken publically about their removal 14 months ago, which occured shortly after Mayo lost to eventual champions Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final replay.
Speaking with the Irish Independent’s Martin Breheny today, the duo made a number of remarkable claims about their time in charge of their native county.
Holmes and Connelly pointed the finger at a “small number” of influential players within the Mayo squad, who were instrumental in removing the 2015 management team.
“If some egos aren’t checked and outside influences curbed, the problems will continue,” said Holmes.
“In time, memories of the trips abroad and all the other perks will fade and it won’t matter how many Twitter followers you had during your playing days. The only question that counts for players on top teams is: have you All-Ireland medals? As of now, no Mayo player since 1951 can asnwer ‘yes’ to that.
“If a small group within the squad are allowed to dictate the way they tried when we were there, it’s not good for Mayo football. If that situation is still there, the likelihood is that they will win nothing. That’s the bottom line as we see it.”
Breheny’s 5,000 word piece also details the letter the Mayo players sent to the county board, demanding the removal of Holmes and Connelly with a threat of strike action if it was not met.
The squad also insisted on having a “number of player representatives on the selection committee” to appoint the new manager.
A number of clashes between players and the management were highlighted, including a disagreement with Aidan O’Shea over a proposed appearance in The Toughest Trade, Alan Dillon questioning the logic of why Andy Moran was starting ahead of him, and Seamus O’Shea requesting that Rob Hennelly start ahead of David Clarke “as he preferred Hennelly’s kickouts.”
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Toulon are a shadow of themselves this season. . Chickens coming home to roost it would seem. . Hopefully the same happens at Saracens soon but this year I feel they are head and shoulders above the rest and likely wont be stopped from retaining the BT cup.
The smart money is on Wasps this year! Sure they have bloody well spent enough to win it.
Fair play to Peter Stringer for playing the match , a true gentleman and professional.However it was a poor match. Toulon don’t play as well as they used to , that’s for sure. They should’ve blown Sale out of the water. There was some good performances from Halfpenny, Gorgodze and Vermeulen.
Vermeulen was superb at the breakdown winning 3 key turnovers and working hard clearing out conceding no turnovers and gave a very physical performance up front despite a stupid yellow card. The Springboks in November will need him at his world class form. Wales will also be happy to see a fit Halfpenny for the internationals . Gorgodze gave his standard physical carries and metres helping Ollivon score his 5th try of the season which is great for a blindside and should be expecting that French call up soon.
Please can we have anyone but Toulon or Sarries win it this year?
Shocking match.