Sweeney takes Roscommon hurling reins

A Roscommon fan waves a flag in the crowd ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Roscommon have named former player Shane Sweeney as their new senior hurling manager.

The Padraig Pearses clubman has been appointed for a three-year term after succeeding Athenry's Brian Hanley in the role. Sweeney won All-Ireland SHC 'B' and Nickey Rackard Cup medals with the Rossies in 1999 and 2006 respectively, and a Roscommon SHC title with Pearses in 2017. He also managed his beloved club to Mickey Cunniffe Cup success in 2020 and has served as an underage and camogie coach in Galway in recent years.

Welcoming the appointment, Roscommon GAA Hurling Committee chairperson Christy McDermott said: “We are delighted to welcome Shane to the position of Roscommon senior hurling manager. We are especially pleased to appoint a manager from within the county, something our clubs have sought for several years.

"While the timing was not right for potential candidates on previous occasions, we are delighted that Shane can now take on the role. His knowledge of Roscommon hurling, combined with the coaching experience he has gained at club and inter-county level, will be an asset.

“I would also like to once again thank those managers from outside the county who have served Roscommon hurling for their work and commitment. There was great interest in the position from both within and outside the county. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to apply and prepare detailed presentations.

“On behalf of Roscommon hurling and Roscommon GAA, I wish Shane and his backroom team, who will be announced in the coming weeks, every success over the next three years,” McDermott added.