Pete McGrath has been appointed as the new Down minor football manager on a three year term.

The two times Sam Maguire winning manager served as the county's minor manager in the 1980's, leading Down to the Tom Markham Cup in 1987.

After taking the senior job in 1990 he helped the Mourne County to senior success in 1991 and again three years later.

McGrath also managed Ireland in the International Rules Series against Australia before becoming Down U21 manager and bringing his charges to the All-Ireland final in 2009, where they lost to an injury time Cork goal.

The highly respected coach was in the running for the Down senior job until it was given to James McCartan at the end of last year and McGrath was so disappointed to be looked over at the time that he resigned as U21 manager and hit out at the county board.

However, any rift has now been repaired and McGrath will also oversee the structure of Down development squads during his tenure.

The selection, put to County Board from Down County Executive, was unanimously supported by club delegates in Burren GAC Club. Tweet

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