Roscommon footballers salute Maughan

The Roscommon senior football panel has thanked former manager John Maughan and his selectors for their dedication to the county…

The Roscommon senior football panel has thanked former manager John Maughan and his selectors for their dedication to the county following their resignation last night.

A statement from the panel issued today praised Maughan and his selectors Eamon McManus and Gerry Fitzmaurice for their contribution over the past three years.

Maughan, who had previously taken Mayo to three All-Ireland final appearances, tendered his resignation yesterday following a series of poor results in this season's NFL.

In a statement last night the Roscommon county board said that it was "with regret" that the resignation of Maughan and his selectors had been accepted.

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Praising the outgoing manager's efforts the statement said that Maughan had "worked tremendously hard to restore the fortunes of Roscommon football" and had "helped to restore pride in and respect for Roscommon football".

Such sentiment was also evident in the senior football panel's statement.

"It is with regret at this stage of the year that we part company with a management team who have sacrificed so much of their lives and given so much effort to develop and improve the current Roscommon team. Never once in the last number of years could we question their hunger and desire to bring success and pride to the county," said the panel.

"Although we have not achieved or played in the manner that may be expected, it should be noted that the management team were extremely courageous in taking control at a point when Roscommon football was experiencing difficult times, and considering this, nothing can be taken away from the track records of the people involved," the statement added.

The county board is now expected to install an interim management to take charge of the team for the remainder of the league and this year's championship.

Fergal O'Donnell who led the county minors to All-Ireland success two years ago is being touted as a possible long-term successor to Maughan.