Andy McEntee steps down as Meath manager

Andy McEntee's tenure as Meath boss has drawn to close after six years in charge of the county's footballers.

McEntee revealed in a statement that he would not be seeking a third term in charge after the Royals exited the All-Ireland SFC at the qualifier stage after a timid display against Clare on Saturday.

"After completing six years as manager of the Meath football team, I am stepping down from the position and will not be seeking a third term," McEntee said in a statement issued by Meath GAA.

"It has been an honour to have been manager of the Meath senior football team and I'd like to thank the chairperson of Coiste na Mí, John Kavanagh and former chairpersons Peter O’Halloran and Conor Tormey, for their full support during my tenure.

"But most of all I'd like to thank all the players and management teams that I have worked with over the years. I wish the county every success in the future."

McEntee guided Ballyboden St Enda's to All-Ireland club glory in 2016, with Meath securing his services after that feat.

They Royals did manage to gain promotion from Division 2 of the league in 2019, but their relegation from Division 1 the following season was ignominious, with McEntee's men failing to win a single game, and success in the Leinster Championship also proved elusive.

The county paid tribute to their departing manager, saying: "Coiste na Mí would like to put on record our thanks to Andy McEntee and his management team for all the work and time invested into Meath football over the last six years.

"Andy's commitment and dedication to the players, in particular, and to Meath football, in general, has been extraordinary. A high point was the county reaching Division 1 of the league and the Super 8s series.

"We wish Andy and