DOWN are on the look-out for a new senior camogie team manager after Paul Donnelly stepped down from the post after three seasons in charge.
The St Paul’s, Belfast clubman took over at the end of 2021 from Derek Dunne. The Laois native had led the county to the 2020 All-Ireland intermediate title, following it up six months later with the Ulster senior and Division Two league titles. Down also managed to retain their place in the All-Ireland senior championship in the 2021 season.
That squad had already started to break up when Donnelly took the reins, with a couple of retirements and the departure of Sorcha McCartan to Cork, where she won back-to-back senior All-Ireland titles.
Although they lost their grip on the Ulster crown during his first season in charge, Down again managed to retain their position in the top flight of league and championship.
Last season, they shocked Antrim to comfortably win back the Ulster title and also stayed in the All-Ireland senior league and championship.
By the start of the 2024 season, however, just two players from the 2020 All-Ireland-winning team remained and the absence of so many experienced players, including Niamh Mallon who had transferred to Galway, was really felt.
Although Down managed to remain in Division One of the National league, they dropped out of the O’Duffy Cup after four years playing against the top teams.
Donnelly apparently made his intentions known to the players and to the Down County Board a few weeks ago, but his departure wasn’t made public until this week.
In a short statement issued yesterday, Donnelly thanked the players and the board, headed by chairperson Teresa Carr, as well as those involved in his management team, for their dedication over the past three seasons.
“Your hard work and commitment have not only shaped our team but also created lasting memories for everyone involved. A special thank you to our team sponsor, CM Precision Components, whose generous support has been crucial to our success.
“Together, you have all contributed to a remarkable chapter in our camogie history. We wish you all the very best for the future. May the memories we’ve made continue to inspire and bring joy.”
The search has already begun for Donnelly’s replacement, but don’t expect to make an announcement in the immediate future.
Derry, the only Ulster county left in the senior championship, have been searching for a successor to PJ O’Mullan since the Loughgiel man stepped down at the end of August.
Meanwhile, Antrim are expected to announce their management team for 2025 early next week after it is ratified at the monthly board meeting on Monday.
