Former Mayo star McStay takes St Brigid's reins

ST BRIGID'S have reacted to their recent All-Ireland club semi-final defeat to Garrycastle by making a high-profile managerial appointment. Following the end of St Brigid's quest to reach a second straight All-Ireland decider, Noel O'Brien relinquished control of team affairs, and the affable Kiltoom native has been replaced by former Mayo star Kevin McStay. The current Sunday Game pundit will be assisted in the job by another Mayo legend, Liam McHale, and Benny O'Brien, who is currently a selector with the Offaly U21 football team. St Brigid's new high-profile management team have a hard act to follow, after Noel O'Brien led Brigid's to two Roscommon SF titles, and two Connacht crowns, as well as the 2011 All-Ireland final, which they lost to Crossmaglen Rangers. The Kiltoom side opened their Roscommon Division 1 League opener last weekend when beating Kilmore by nine points, but the new management team will be judged on their fortunes in this year's championship. McStay, who lives in Roscommon, has had prior success as a manager in the county, leading Roscommon Gaels to a county title in 2004. During a successful playing career, McStay played club football with Ballina Stephenites in Mayo and Ballymun Kickhams (Dublin), and won three Connacht senior titles with Mayo. McStay was also rewarded with a coveted All-Star Award in 1985, while McHale was an All-Star recipient in 1996, when Mayo reached the All-Ireland final, with McHale controversially sent off in the replay. McHale was also a noted basketball player for several years, and is expected to take the physical side of training with St Brigid's.