GAA: Manager Maughan unsure of his future.

Byline: By JACKIE CAHILL

MAYO boss John Maughan was non-committal on his future after yesterday's defeat to Kerry at Croke Park.

Maughan was handed a new three-year contract after guiding his team to last year's All- Ireland final, but this loss will lead to the inevitable speculation about his position.

John O'Mahony, who led Mayo to an All-Ireland final in 1989, has been linked with a return to his native county and the shadow of the former Galway boss certainly looms large over Maughan.

Rumours swept the bowels of the Hogan Stand that Maughan had stepped down in the aftermath of yesterday's three-point defeat but he said: "You know what rumours are like - they're continuously in circulation."

When asked if he'd like to return to Croke Park in charge of Mayo next year, Maughan simply replied: "Time will tell."Maughan was proud of his players yesterday for the guts they showed towards the end and he reflected:

"We whittled down a seven point point lead to three and if the game had gone on for another couple of minutes, we seemed to have the legs on them.

"We missed a couple of easy scores. Ciaran missed an easy free and there were little bits and pieces when we look back. But give credit to Kerry, they have huge quality in their starting 15 and on the bench.

"But our lads showed that they don't have a soft under-carriage."

Mayo never looked like getting in for a goal but Maughan added: "If we got one it might have propelled us. But Kerry were playing within themselves in lots of sectors," he admitted.

"They're a big strong, physical team and they're solid in all the fundamentals, kicking and hand-passing."

And Maughan stated that Kerry are firm favourites to retain their All-Ireland crown.

"They have a hunger and appetite about them. Armagh have played a little too much football but they'll be strong, Dublin have a freshness about them and they could get to an All- Ireland final and wouldn't that be a dream final? (against Kerry)."

Kerry boss Jack O'Connor looked forward to a semi- final showdown with Munster rivals Cork.

And with a hint of a smile, he said: "We have plenty to work on and after their display against Galway, Cork will be favourites for the next game.

"I was pleased that Cork won because it kept the form-line going.

"I was happy enough that Cork won the game and it will be a great clash, there should be a great crowd up here."

CAPTION(S):

WHERE TO NOW? Mayo manager John Maughan; LOOKING FORWARD: Kerry boss Jack O'Connor