Sammon takes early leave of Galway

GALWAY FOOTBALL:LIAM SAMMON has resigned as Galway football manager after a two-year stint that ultimately will not be considered a successful period.

Galway failed to retain the Connacht title this season, though they did return to the All-Ireland quarter-finals where they lost narrowly to Kerry in 2008 after defeat to Donegal in the qualifiers.

Sammon was initially handed a three-year term, but the retired school teacher, whose philosophy on the game has been recorded in his book Optimising Performance in Gaelic Football, informed the county board and players on Wednesday night that he will not be completing his term.

“Liam is a young, retired PE teach who will remain involved in coaching in Galway,” said football board chairman John Joe Holloran.

“He has a family that are based in England and France, and he enjoys playing golf, among other activities, so he is a busy man.”

“He sensed maybe it was time to move on. After informing myself he spoke to the players last night and said there were no regrets from his two years in charge.

“There was a level of honesty and integrity that he brought to the job and we are very thankful for the contribution he made to Galway football these past two years.”

The managerial position in Galway is usually a three-year term that is reviewed after each campaign.

That review was due to take place at the September meeting of the county board, but the focus will now switch to selecting a committee to find a replacement for Sammon.

Considered a legend by many within the county, having made his debut at 19 on the three-in-a-row team of 1966, Sammon replaced Peter Ford in 2007 and delivered a Connacht senior football title in his first season.

“There is probably going to be a few retirements and new players will have to be brought in to replace them,” added Galway PRO Séamus Finnerty. “The only consolation is that we have time on our side to find a new man, with the FBD League not starting until January.”

Current Sligo manager and former Galway midfielder Kevin Walsh will become an immediate candidate for the position.