Kelly steps down as Mayo Oscar Traynor manager

Joe Kelly has stepped down as Mayo Oscar Traynor manager after two years in charge.

The Westport man enjoyed a prolific spell in charge of Mayo that saw the county reach a first Oscar Traynor final since 1981 last year which ended in a 1-0 defeat to Waterford. Kelly’s side reached the last four in this year’s competition where they lost 2-1 to Limerick.

Speaking to the Western People yesterday (Monday), Kelly said he felt the time was right to step down due to other commitments, such as his involvement as manager with the Connacht Interprovincial team and his day job with Mayo County Council.

“I was with the Mayo team and was not in a position to watch the Oscar Traynor games live to see the best players in the province,” he said.

“I was always conscious that as the Mayo manager, you can have a certain amount of players in your squad and no matter how honest the squad, people will always look at you as having a favoritism towards your own county. After two brilliant years with Mayo, it was a good moment to put a complete focus on the Interprovincial side and leave my mark on that and put a standard in place. 

"In my role as a senior executive with Mayo County Council, I have responsibility for a big department and being involved with Connacht and Mayo, two teams at such a high level, it’s not possible to do both alongside the day job.” 

He said from a footballing point of view, it was going to be difficult to enter the Oscar Traynor competition several weeks after the Mayo League season had concluded with other province’s having their season ongoing, and this also helped him to make his decision.

“Our players would be six or seven weeks out of season; some will not have been training. Normally, a lot of players would be involved in the national competitions, and we won’t have that this year. Whereas in Galway and Roscommon, they would be well into their season and would come into October flying fit and at their peak.” 

Kelly said he looks back at the 2024 final with some regret but feels the journey triumphed the destination.

“I have gotten to stage on a few occasions in different managerial roles so the disappointment isn’t as bad, I’ve experienced it before, but I look at it more in terms of getting there,” he said.

“Getting to the final, to that occasion and taking part. Yeah, we wanted to win it and had a massive opportunity in Castlebar. We were equally as good as Waterford and small moments killed the game for us. 

“It’s an opportunity missed but not as big a disappointment for me as you would imagine. I’ve been there a few times, and you just get over it.” 

The 2025 campaign was marred by the controversy surrounding Ballyheane’s decision to remove their three players from the squad, including Mayo’s key striker Ben Edeh. Joe said that player selection was often an issue, particularly in the second year.

“The issues with Ballyheane, it was completely out of our hands, but it was always an issue that we were having to consider in terms of who would be available and who wouldn’t be available for team selection,” he said.

Kelly highlighted and praised the role local media played in promoting the achievements of Mayo during his time at the helm of the Oscar Traynor squad.

“I want to thank everyone involved in the media side of things for all you have given to us as an Oscar Traynor management and squad over the past two years. Our progress received such great interest because of the publicity that was given,” he said.

In a statement, the Mayo League thanked Kelly for 'the tremendous progress, hard work and effort that he and his back room team have put in with the Mayo Oscar Traynor team as well as the Mayo U21 team' over the last number of years. 

"They have raised the levels again in recent times with their level of dedication and professionalism that has generated great buy in from the players and has created a positive outlook for Mayo football.

"We wish Joe and his back room team every success in there future especially with the Connacht Interprovincial Team for the upcoming Interprovincial competition this coming March."

A successor is expected to be appointed in the coming weeks.