Roscommon GAA has yet to put a time-frame in place for the recruitment of the next Under 21 Football Team Manager following the news that outgoing Manager Mark Dowd has decided not to seek another term.
Roscommon GAA Chairman Seamus Sweeney informed Club Delegates at last Thursday’s Meeting of the County Board, that Mark Dowd did not wish to be considered for the position for the 2017 season.
Mark Dowd managed the team in 2015 and 2016, winning the Hastings Cup and Connacht Championship in his first season. In both years the team was beaten by the eventual All-Ireland Champions. Tyrone got the better of them in the 2015 All-Ireland Semi-Final. In this year’s Connacht Final they suffered an injury time defeat to Mayo. Ironically both defeats came in Markievicz Park, Sligo. Prior to managing the team he managed Ballaghaderreen to a Mayo title and Connacht Club Final appearance. He also served as a selector on the Roscommon Minor and Senior Teams and is sure to be in demand.
At the Meeting Seamus Sweeney thanked Mark Dowd for all his work with Roscommon and wished him the very best of luck in the future.
Ideally the incoming Manager would be appointed ahead of the Under 20 Club Championship, which usually begin in late September. A Manager Appointment Committee will be formed by the County Executive and Clubs will be invited to nominate Candidates.
Possible Candidates
Garreth Carroll, who managed the Roscommon Minors to a Connacht title was nominated for the role last time out.
Current Boyle Manager Michael Jordan, who previously managed the Roscommon Juniors to two All-Ireland Junior Final appearances was nominated for Minor Manager position last year.
Current Padraig Pearses Manager Shane Curran has long stated his desire to manage Roscommon.
A link between the Under 21 and Senior Management Teams may also be of interest. Fergal O’Donnell managed the Minors in 2014, many of whom would be expected to form next year’s Under 21 side.