THE LAOIS SENIOR footballers are on the hunt for a new football boss for the second successive year following the departure today of Mick Lillis from his managerial post.
Lillis has stepped down after only one season as he had taken control following the departure last year of Tomás Ó Flatharta.
Laois bowed out of the 2016 championship on Sunday 10 July with an All-Ireland Round 2A qualifier defeat to Clare in Ennis.
Previously they had beaten Wicklow in their Leinster opener in May before losing to Dublin in Nowlan Park in June. In their opening qualifier tie, Laois defeated Armagh in a game that was then notably refixed after Laois had used six subs.
Lillis saw his team still defeat Armagh at the second time of asking before they bowed out against the Banner in Cusack Park when they suffered a 0-14 to 1-10 loss.
In a statement released this afternoon, Lillis revealed his departure.
“It is with regret that I wish to inform you that I will not be putting myself forward for consideration as manager of Laois senior football team for the coming season.
“I wish to put on record my thanks to the following:
- The players who worked tirelessly and selflessly to improve the Laois team.
- The backroom team of selectors, coach, doctor, physios, stats, kit men and caterers who worked extremely hard.
- The County Board Officials who supported me as manager of Laois.
“I would like to wish the new management team every success in tackling the issues that pertain in Laois football.
The Laois county board also issued a statement to thank Lillis for his contribution.
“Laois GAA would like to thank Mick and his backroom team for their huge commitment and dedication to Laois football over the last year and wish them the very best in the future.
“The county board executive will be meeting in the next few days to put a process in place to select a new team manager.”
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
