The end of Tommy Lyons's tenure as Dublin's senior football team manager came tonight when the Mayo native confirmed he would not return next season.
Three years in the pressurised environment was "enough for any sane man," said Lyons in a relaxed press conference at Parnell Park.
Lyons led the Dubs to early success, leading the side to the Leinster title in 2002 and falling in the 2003 provincial title match, but this past season was marred by disappointment.
Westmeath beat the Dubs 0-14 to 0-12 in the first round of this season's Leinster championship, and after surviving qualifiers against inferior opposition, Lyons's squad was soundly and memorably beaten by Kerry, 1 - 18 to 1 - 5.
Lyons took over the squad from Tommy Carr and was hailed as a saviour after leading the Metropolitans to the Leinster title in less than five months.
