Gaelic Games

Paddy Tally steps aside as Down manager

News was confirmed on Thursday after county exited championship two weeks ago

Down manager Paddy Tally has stepped aside. Photo: Tommy Dickson/Inpho

Seán Moran's face
Seán Moran
Fri Jul 9 2021 - 07:29

Down footballers have become the latest county team to begin the search for a new manager. On Thursday night, Paddy Tally’s three-year term concluded without any renewal.

Tally, who was a coach with Mickey Harte when Tyrone won their first All-Ireland in 2003 and more recently had worked with Galway when Kevin Walsh was manager, released a statement through the county board.

“Nowadays, it takes a bigger team to support a team. The last three years have brought unexpected challenges to each and every one of us. Despite everything, I am confident that Down GAA has much reason to be hopeful.

“With the team, we secured their position in Division 2 and continued the process of rebuilding. We have not achieved as much this year as we would have wanted, but in maintaining our league status, the team perhaps achieved more than many predicted, and I hope they can push on from here.

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“I am very grateful to the players with whom I have worked in the last three seasons and to their clubs and families. I will always have a connection and an abiding personal respect for Down GAA.”

The development comes after the heavy championship defeat by Donegal, 2-25 to 1-12, two weeks ago.

The county secured their place in Division Two with a playoff win over Laois, whose manager Mike Quirke has also stepped down after a heavy championship defeat, against Westmeath.