Sean Finnegan has stepped down as Westmeath ladies football manager just a few weeks after they were crowned All-Ireland intermediate champions.

Working alongside Tommy Carr, the Mayo native spent three years at the helm, during which the Lake County held their National League Division 1 status but were relegated to the intermediate ranks in 2019. However, after losing last year's All-Ireland intermediate final to current senior champions Meath, they bounced back this year, hammering Wexford in the final to regain their senior status for 2022.

In a statement released through Westmeath LGFA yesterday, Finnegan said: "Today I spoke with the Chairperson of Westmeath Ladies GAA Geraldine Giles and informed her of my decision not to continue in my role as Manager of Westmeath Ladies senior footballers.

"I feel privileged and humbled that Westmeath Ladies LGFA endowed me with the trust and belief to manage the premier talent from the county for the past three years. Both my Management team and I have had our share of special days, and some very tough days, each one presenting unique challeges, but ultimately the finest day was our last day in charge of the team at this years All Ireland Final v Wexford in Croke Park.

"On the day the team delivered their finest performance and it was both a privilege and an honour for to be in Croke Park to witness the team fulfil its potential. The after-match scenes of unbridled joy is a memory which will remain with me forever.

"Covid-19 changed all our lives and put a lot of things in perspective. For two of our three years in charge the pandemic demanded great change and dexterity in how we undertook our remit. The interaction and dynamic between management and the players during this period was fantastic. The commitment in the face of unprecedented demands, displayed tremendous levels of character, loyalty, resilience, and determination to complete the tasks presented.

"For me personally, the uncompromising attitude and desire from all the team to get the job done, made the lockdown periods infinitely more manageable and bearable."

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