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8th January 2017
07:01pm GMT

The controversial interview given by Holmes and Connelly a few weeks ago inevitably reared its head.
The former joint managers criticised, among other things, a small group of players who allegedly had too much influence within the squad.
The timing of the interview was criticised by many, refuting the claims by Hennelly and Holmes that it was more ideal for them to wait until the season was over to give their side of the story.
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Rochford was asked after match whether the fallout from the interview had affected the spirit in the camp in any way, something which the Mayo boss denied immediately.
"The role of the Mayo manager is a tough assignment for many reasons," he told RTÉ Sport. "We’re a group and a county that has high expectations and high standards to reach. The group are in great spirit. We met last Monday before the boys departed for South Africa and there have been big numbers training in South Africa," he added.
"It gives great encouragement and optimism for the weeks and months ahead.”It is good to see Rochford taking the high road in this instance, not being drawn on the comments made by Holmes and Connelly. No doubt this topic will emerge again as the season goes on and it will be interesting to see whether Rochford will be able to remain calm and avoid the issue. For the interests for Mayo football, it may be the best course of action. The last thing this team needs is any off-the-field distractions as they look to finally end their long wait for Sam Maguire in 2017.
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