Ex-Mayo Manager Makes Left-Field Move To Coaching Role With Offaly Giants

Former Mayo manager Stephen Rochford has reportedly made an unexpected move to a coaching role with Offaly club Tullamore.

Rochford had been part of the Mayo coaching team for the past three seasons as an assistant under Kevin McStay, and briefly took over as manager at the end of this season when McStay was sidelined through injury.

However, when McStay was removed from his role in acrimonious circumstances, Rochford too was shown the exit door by the Mayo County Board.

After a decorated career thus far in coaching and management, Rochford's next move has been confirmed.

READ HERE: 53 Inter-County GAA Stars Playing Gaelic Football In America This Summer

READ HERE: Five Intriguing Candidates To Replace Raymond Galligan As Cavan Manager

Stephen Rochford has reportedly joined Paul McConway's coaching team at Offaly giants Tullamore ahead of the upcoming club championship.

It comes just weeks after Rochford's second stint with his native Mayo came to an end with their exit from the All-Ireland group stages.

Rochford previously managed Mayo between 2015 and 2018, leading them to back-to-back All-Ireland final epics against Dublin in '16 and '17.

He then served as Declan Bonner's head coach during Bonner's stint in charge of Donegal, before returning to Mayo under McStay for the 2023 championship season.

An All-Ireland club-winning manager with Corofin in 2015, Rochford brings immense experience and pedigree to Tullamore, who are hoping for a famous third Offaly county title in a row this year.

Should they be crowned county champions again, they will tie Rhode at the top of the roll of honour on 31 Offaly titles.

With the involvement of Stephen Rochford, Tullamore's sights may even be set on bigger prizes beyond Offaly.

Few could have seen this move coming, but it is a superb coup for the Midlands club. It is also an intriguing move for Rochford after such a disappointing end to his tenure with Mayo.

Having served as an assistant and Kevin McStay's de facto right-hand man for three seasons, Rochford and the rest of the coaching team were abruptly relieved of their duties late last month after a meeting of the County Board.

The manner of the dismissal, especially with McStay's health issues taken into account, drew widespread criticism from the GAA world.

Now, Stephen Rochford will hope to replicate his superb success with Corofin, as he returns to the club game.