Down are on the lookout for a new senior football manager for the second year in succession after James McCartan informed the county board of his decision to quit on Monday.
The resignation of one of Down’s most revered footballers brings to a close a year to forget for the Mournemen.
Last year, McCartan was one of the last managerial appointments following a protracted search to find a replacement for Paddy Tally.
Read more: Down football in disarray as Caolan Mooney becomes the fifth player to depart
The Galbally native had been seen to remain in the post for one more year, but an extension to his three-year tenure couldn’t be agreed upon by the club delegates. Tally ended up joining Jack O’Connor’s management team and helped Kerry win the Sam Maguire on Sunday.
Down, meanwhile, were relegated to Division Three after picking up just one point in their League campaign.
They suffered a 0-23 to 2-7 loss to Monaghan in their Ulster Championship quarter-final tie in Clones before bowing out of the Championship altogether following their Tailteann Cup loss to Cavan in Breffni Park.
His second spell in charge of his native county was a far cry from his first when he led Down to an All-Ireland final appearance back in 2010.
This year, Down appeared to be in a state of terminal decline. An alleged breach of discipline overshadowed the build-up to their Ulster Championship fixture while several high-profile players including former captain Caolan Mooney and Ryan McEvoy left the panel before the Tailteann Cup campaign.
Indeed, Mooney recently told the Smaller Fish GAA podcast that he felt his playing days with Down were at an end.
It remains to be seen how many players can be coaxed back into the fold as attention now turns to McCartan’s replacement.
In a statement, Down GAA said: “James McCartan has informed Down GAA of his decision to step down as manager of the county senior football team.
“James was first appointed to the position in September 2009, leading Down to an All-Ireland Football Final appearance in his first season.
“The county team also secured promotion to Division 1 in 2010 and an Ulster Final appearance in 2012 during his tenure. In November 2021, he was once again appointed to the position, but after considerable thought during the past few weeks, he has decided to now step aside from the role.
“Down GAA wish to place on record our gratitude to James, Aidan O'Rourke, Ronan McMahon and the entire coaching and backroom team for their work during the 2022 season.
“James McCartan will always be regarded as an iconic figure of Down football. He has given outstanding service to his county as a player and manager, and we wish him well.
“Cumann Lúthchleas Gael an Dúin will now commence the process to appoint a new manager.”
After Tally stepped down last year, there was intense speculation that a management team of Jim McGuinness, Conor Laverty and Marty Clarke would be appointed.
However, when McGuinness appeared to pour cold water on the notion, the county board were scrambling to find a possible suitor.
With another club Championship season looming with Kilcoo, it is unclear whether Down U20 boss Laverty would want to throw his hat into the ring this time around.
Conor Deegan, Malachy O’Rourke, Enda McGinley and Steven Poacher are others who are likely to find themselves being linked with the role in the coming days. After the drawn-out saga to find a manager last term, Down will be hoping to make a swifter decision this time around.
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