Martin Brennan has stepped down as Mayo hurling manager in the wake of last Saturday's Christy Ring Cup exit at the hands of Down.

Former Galway star and TV pundit Pete Finnerty also vacated his post as coach after the defeat in Charlestown.

"It's over with Mayo hurling," Westport man Brennan told the Mayo News after the final whistle.

"At half-time we thought we had a serious chance. We knew Down were going to come at us hard but, with the extra man, we felt we had a real chance.

"But for whatever reason, so many times this year, we've been in games at half-time and, mentally, we've let teams back into it during the second half. It questions the whole mentality of the team. Are they mentally strong enough?"

Brennan says Mayo should seriously consider dropping back to the Nicky Rackard Cup after this year's disappointing showing.

"I'm leaving now but I seriously think that this teams needs to go back down and win the Nicky Rackard before they can compete at the Christy Ring level. Today tells me we're not at that level. That's why I'm so disappointed."

Mayo secretary Sean Feeney paid tribute to Brennan and Finnerty after hearing of their decision.
"They did a great job and really advanced hurling in the county," he said.

"They lost five players before the start of the season and that was a big setback. But, credit where credit is due, they were very easy to work with and I'm sorry to see them go."

Brennan said he had enjoyed "every minute" of his five years at the helm.

"It was a great five years," he explained.

"I enjoyed every minute. It was an honour to train with Pete Finnerty, we built up a strong relationship, both our lives have gone through an awful lot in that time, and hurling was a huge part of it.

"To nearly get into two Christy Ring finals, especially two years ago when we lost out to Carlow with an injury-time goal, now they're competing in the Liam McCarthy Cup...What's happened to Mayo hurling in the last two years?" he asked. Tweet

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