PADDY Tally’s reign as Down boss came to an end last night - less than a fortnight after the county’s Ulster Championship exit to Donegal.
Following a county board meeting, the Galbally man decided to call time with the Mournemen, bringing to an end a three year stint in charge after he succeeded the late Eamonn Burns in 2018.
In a statement issued by the Down County Board, Tally said: "Nowadays, it takes a bigger team to support a team. The last three years have brought unexpected challenges to each and every one of us.
“Despite everything, I am confident that Down GAA has much reason to be hopeful. With the team, we secured their position in Division Two and continued the process of rebuilding. We have not achieved as much this year as we would have wanted, but in maintaining our League status, the team perhaps achieved more than many predicted, and I hope they can push on from here.
“I am very grateful to the players with whom I have worked in the last three seasons and to their clubs and families. I will always have a connection and an abiding personal respect for Down GAA."
Down County Board chairman Jack Devaney added: “We appreciate the work and commitment that Paddy and his management and backroom team have given to our team and players over the three years. We wish them well.”
There were ups and downs throughout Tally’s time over the Mourne County, with Down just missing out on promotion from Division Three in his first year before narrow defeat to Armagh after extra-time in the Ulster Championship.
Despite the Covid-enforced break in the League last year, Tally safely guided Down back up to Division Two at the second time of asking and, in his penultimate game in charge, ensured they stayed there next year with victory over Laois in a relegation play-off last month.
There was disappointment in Championship, however, as the Mournemen let a 10-point lead slip in last November’s Ulster semi-final defeat to eventual champions Cavan, while Donegal had 16 points to spare when the counties met on June 27.
Attention will now shift to Tally’s successor, with former U20 boss Conor Deegan – part of the 1991 and ’94 All-Ireland winning sides - and current U20 boss Conor Laverty among the names mentioned in dispatches at this early stage.
Having gone outside the county to secure Tally’s services last time, it remains to be seen whether the county will cast the net as wide again.
