Jack Sheedy steps down as Longford manager

Jack Sheedy has stepped down as Longford football manager to spend more time with his family.

The former Dublin player was appointed in October 2013, his role also including working with Longford’s under-21 footballers.

Longford were relegated to Division Four in Sheedy’s first league campaign in 2014, the county’s second straight relegation, and were beaten in the second round of All-Ireland qualifiers by Tipperary.

Sheedy helped Longford earn promotion to Division Three this year and they beat Offaly for a second straight year in the Leinster preliminary round before they suffered a 27-point defeat to Dublin in the quarter-finals.

Longford enjoyed qualifier wins over Carlow and Clare before going down to a 19-point defeat to Kildare in a Round 3A qualifier in Mullingar.

Longford County Board released a statement on Sheedy’s decision to step down from the post on Wednesday evening.

“Longford GAA’s executive committee at its meeting last night were informed of the resignation of Jack Sheedy as senior football manager. In his letter of resignation Jack noted the huge amount of time and commitment he had given to the role over the past 2 years which ultimately impacted on other areas of his life and for that reason Jack has decided to devote more time to his family.

“Longford GAA’s executive committee thank Jack and his backroom team for their efforts over the past 2 years and wish them well in whatever role they decide to take up in the future.

“Jack had a successful first year with our U21s and after a slow start at senior level brought Longford out of Division 4 this current year and have given us our longest run in the Qualifiers in a number of years. Jack successfully moulded a number of players to senior ranks following on from the retirement of a number of vastly experienced players.

“Once again Longford GAA wish to thank Jack, his backroom team and the many players who committed to County teams – both U21 & Senior over the course of his tenure.”