SEÁN HAGAN has decided not to seek a further year in charge of the Leitrim senior football team.
In a statement issued by the county board Hagan cited a number of reasons for the decision but primarily his inability to devote as much time as was needed given that “his own business had picked up considerably in recent times.”
However, the Longford native also expressed concerns about the nature of his side’s 4-18 to 0-9 drubbing at the hands of Down in Round 1B of the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers and “the commitment of some panel members leading up to the game”.
Hagan was only appointed to the role of Leitrim boss in September 2013 following the departure of the managerial duo of Brian Breen and George Dugdale in the wake of the county’s humiliating 27-point (8-13 to 0-10) home defeat to Armagh in the 2013 qualifiers.
His tenure began well enough as Leitrim retained their Connacht FBD title but failure to gain promotion from division four coupled with defeats to Roscommon in the Connacht quarter-finals and Down in the qualifiers has seen Hagan take the decision to walk away.
The Leitrim statement in full:
Leitrim team manager Seán Hagan informed the Executive of Leitrim GAA that he was standing down from his position as Senior team manager. Chairperson, Joe Flynn, informed the executive at an executive meeting on Friday night specially convened to set in motion team managements for the coming year.
Seán cited a number of reasons but mainly that his own business had picked up considerably in recent times a factor that would make it difficult to devote the time such a position would demand. He too expressed concern at the manner of the team’s collapse in their final game with Down in the championship qualifiers and with the commitment of some panel members leading up to this game.
He said he had thought long about continuing in this role and had come to the conclusion that it would be best for Leitrim football to now move on.He wished Leitrim GAA the best of luck in the future and enjoyed his time here.
On behalf of Leitrim GAA Chairperson Joe Flynn thanked Seán for his work and enthusiasm over the past year. He alluded to his achievement in winning the FBD cup last January and of their excellent run in the National League just missing out on promotion.
He stated that Seán was a gentleman to work with and always available to discuss any issues involving the team. He was passionate about the game and introduced new players to the panel with success. Injuries and the non- availability of experienced players at the end of the year made his position very difficult.
Joe wished Seán the very best in both his business ventures and whatever role he would undoubtedly become involved in GAA circles. He concluded by thanking selectors Christy Carroll and Aiden Mc Carron and all involved with the management.
