Meath are on the look-out for a new senior football manager following Colm O’Rourke’s decision to step down after two years in charge.

O’Rourke had been initially due to fulfil a three-year term with the Royals, but was not in a position to nominate replacements for outgoing selectors Barry Callaghan and Stephen Bray in time for the Meath county board’s deadline today.

The two-time All-Ireland winner has therefore opted not to seek a third year in management, namely because of that deadline, as he wanted more time to complete additions to his backroom team.

During his time in charge, Meath would capture the Tailteann Cup last year with victory over Down in the final at Croke Park, while the Allianz League would see his group retaining Division 2 status on both occasions over the last two seasons.

Meath GAA released the following this morning confirming O’Rourke’s decision not to seek another year of his managerial term:

“Colm O’Rourke has advised the Meath GAA County Committee that he is not seeking re-appointment as the Senior Football Manager,” the statement read. 

“Everyone in Meath GAA, expresses their heartfelt thanks to Colm and his management team for their hard work over the past two years. 

“During that time, there has been a major change over in the panel with many players getting their first taste of senior inter-county football. 

“This group will, undoubtedly, form the basis of Meath teams for many years. Colm and his team managed this transition and along the way managed to win the Tailteann Cup in 2023. 

“The players will have benefitted enormously by learning from Meath legends like Colm and his selectors: Stephen Bray, Barry Callaghan, and Trevor Giles; as well as from the vastly experienced, Shane Supple.

“Go raibh míle maith agaibh agus guímid gach rath oraibh amach anseo.”

Colm O’Rourke is not seeing the third year of his management term. #MeathGAA https://t.co/ydaEZU3Q9F

— Meath GAA (@MeathGAA) August 26, 2024

Tweet

Most Read Stories