Andy Moran Fires Back At Joe Brolly After Mayo 'Old Pals' Jibe

Andy Moran has dismissed Joe Brolly’s recent criticism of Mayo as “more of an entertainment piece than a football piece” following his side’s emphatic win over Roscommon in Castlebar.

Mayo responded to last weekend’s heavy defeat to Kerry in perfect fashion, running out 4-26 to 2-11 winners in a game where both teams made significant changes.

However, the fallout from that Kerry defeat had dominated much of the discussion in the build-up, with Joe Brolly taking aim at Moran’s selection decisions in his Irish Independent column.

The former Derry footballer had suggested that Moran was overly loyal to players he previously lined out with, labelling the Mayo setup as “an old pals’ association”.

Brolly wrote that Mayo were “a mess” and criticised Moran for introducing experienced figures such as Aidan O’Shea, Cillian O’Connor and Stephen Coen off the bench during the match, while also referencing starters Rob Hennelly and Diarmuid O’Connor.

“It is hard not to think that this is a manager and an old friends’ group stuck in a past that can never be changed,” Brolly added.

Andy Moran Fires Back At Joe Brolly After Mayo 'Old Pals' Jibe

Speaking to Mike Finnerty after Mayo’s win over Roscommon, Moran was asked directly about the comments, but first stopped to clarify who had written the piece before responding.

Moran was keen to play down the criticism, suggesting that Brolly’s column was more about generating reaction than offering genuine analysis.

I actually get on quite well with Joe. I’ve no problem with Joe, but I think it’s more of an entertainment piece than a football piece.

The Mayo boss also defended his decision to reintroduce experienced players into the squad, including Cillian O’Connor and Rob Hennelly, who had previously stepped away from the panel before returning under Moran this season.

If Cillian O’Connor’s in my squad, lads, he needs to get minutes in his legs and he’s going to play like everybody else.

The same with Aidan, same with Stevie and these boys. If they’re here, they’re going to play.

I don’t think as Mayo supporters anyone would be giving out about Cillian O’Connor coming back.

While Andy Moran was very relaxed in his response to Brolly’s broader criticism, he did take issue with one aspect of the column, the framing of it around teenage forward Kobe McDonald.

The 18-year-old has been one of the breakout stars of the league campaign and is set to join AFL side St Kilda later this year, leading to increased attention around his future.

Brolly suggested that Mayo’s struggles against Kerry could influence McDonald’s decision to move to Australia, a point Moran felt crossed a line.

The only disappointment I would think is that the young lad that was referenced in the article, Kobe, had to go to school on Monday morning.

I obviously put him out there, we give him that experience and exposure, and there’s going to be stuff written about him.

But I just think… newspapers and the real quality papers just need to show a tiny bit of restraint when they’re using Kobe. A tiny bit.

Despite the off-field noise, Mayo’s performance against Roscommon offered a timely response, with a much-changed side delivering a dominant display and they now prepare to face London in the Connacht championship before a likely rematch against the Rossies in a semi-final.

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