Down in turmoil

Down in turmoil

26 August 2015

JIM McCorry says he was left with no other option but to resign as Down senior football manager.

Despite guiding the Mourne county to Division One of the National League and edging a County Board vote by 22-20 last month, McCorry stood down on Thursday night after just one year in charge.

It was Down’s shock championship exit at the hands of Wexford which left the manager standing on thin ice.

“It unravelled because people 

focused on one bad day at the office and didn’t see the bigger picture,” he said.

“We were gutted to lose to Wexford and no excuses, but people seemed to lose the plot over that one result.

“In my heart I wanted to stay on because I enjoyed working with the players and the supporters were great, but I don’t think I would have lasted the entire season next year, because the knives would have been sharpened again.”

In the wake of McCorry’s resignation the Down County Board issued the following statement last Thursday night:

“Tonight the Down County Board were notified by Jim McCorry that he was stepping down with immediate effect as Down senior football team manager.

“Down County Board would like to place on record our thanks to Jim and his backroom team for their efforts and commitment shown to the Down senior footballers and their endeavours in taking Down from Division 2 back to Division 1 for next season.

Members of the Down Executive Committee had met with Jim on Monday to re-assure him that he had 100% support from both the Executive Committee and the clubs in Down, and that Down GAA would not be found wanting in their support for Jim and the Down senior footballers in 2016 and beyond.

“We wish him well in the future.

“There will be no further comment at this time.”

It is obvious that certain elements in the county executive wanted rid of McCorry and ultimately they have got what they wanted.

John Morgan, Mark Copeland and Ciaran Sloan who were all part of the backroom team are gone as well.

Speculation as to McCorry’s successor will surely grow in the coming weeks.

Pete McGrath has been touted for a sensational return but this seems unlikely.

Aughlisnafin supremo and double All-Ireland winner Conor Deegan will surely let his name go forward.

Frank Dawson would be a top contender going on his record with club teams and Seamus McEneaney and Tony McEntee will also be in the frame.

Down football is at a crucial juncture. The only way is up after months of disastrous PR and controversy.