GAA:Down manager Ross Carr has been sacked after county committee members were understood to have voted by a margin of 45-11 in favour of not reappointing the former All-Ireland winner.
After three years in the job with the Mourne County, Carr reapplied for his job but officials will now look elsewhere to find a replacement.
Down have had a disappointing season and lost to Fermanagh in the Ulster SFC before they were defeated by Wicklow in the third round of this year’s qualifiers.
Previously in the qualifiers they defeated London and Laois and were promoted in the National League earlier in the year.
“At a meeting of County Committee this evening members voted not to reappoint the outgoing senior football management team,” last night’s statement read.
“The selection panel will now proceed in the search for a new manager. County committee passed a unanimous vote of thanks to Ross Carr and his management team.”
Peter McGrath, who led Down to All-Ireland glory in the early 1990s, and James McCartan have been named as early candidates to replace Carr.
Elsewhere Kevin Walsh was reappointed as Sligo boss for another season following a meeting of the county board last night.
Selectors for the senior football panel, Paul Durcan, Paul Taylor and Dessie Sloyan, were also reappointed until the end of 2010.
It is understood Walsh and his backroom staff received a unanimous endorsement.
Sligo came within a point of Kerry in the qualifiers this year.