Hunt for new football boss begins as Louth GAA 'will not be offering' Kierans a third year

The Wee county has released a statement, while Kierans says his involvement was ‘a real privilege’.

LAST UPDATE | 6 Nov 2020

LOUTH GAA HAS confirmed that the county’s senior footballers will have a new manager at the helm in 2021 following the decision not to renew Wayne Kierans’ terms.

“Following a meeting of the Louth GAA management committee on Thursday night, it has been agreed that Louth GAA will not be offering Wayne Kierans a third year as manager of the Louth GAA senior football team,” a statement released this morning reads.

“Wayne has been in charge of our senior footballers since 2018 and his two-year term came to an end following defeat to Longford on Saturday last in the Leinster senior football championship.”

Under the watch of the former county underage manager and O’Connell’s clubman, Louth were relegated from Division 3 of the National Football League this season having earned just two points from seven games, before Longford ended their year in the provincial opener.

In Kierans first campaign in charge last year, they retained their Division 3 status, and beat Wexford in the Leinster championship before shipping a heavy defeat to Dublin.

The Wee county’s qualifier run ended at the first hurdle after a disappointing loss to Antrim on home soil.

“Louth GAA management committee would like to sincerely thank Wayne and his backroom team of Cathal Murray, Liam Kelleher, Ciaran Marks and Shane McCoy for their efforts,” the statement continues on Kierans, who succeeded Down great Pete McGrath at the helm.

**LOUTH GAA PRESS RELEASE** pic.twitter.com/QhHUNkilWK
— Louth GAA (@louthgaa) November 6, 2020

“They have shown professionalism, enthusiasm, dedication and continued courtesy over the last two years and we have enjoyed a positive working relationship with Wayne and his management team.

“Louth GAA would like to wish Wayne and his management team all the best in their future endeavours.”

“We will now immediately begin the process in seeking a new senior football team manager,” it concludes.

“A sub-committee consisting of Peter Fitzpatrick, Bob Doheny, Sean McClean, Aidan Berrill and Francie McMullan have been appointed to oversee this process.”

#LouthGAA pic.twitter.com/nklMGfHKvE
— Wayne Kierans (@WayneKierans) November 6, 2020

Kierans has since penned a few words on his tenure, and posted it on Twitter:

“It was a real privilege to work with the various Louth teams over the past five years, and also a pleasure to see first hand the development of the best young players in the county.

“Thanks to all the players and management teams over this time and best wishes to everyone at senior level and all the other age groups for the future years ahead.”

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