Francis O'Halloran resigns as Roscommon hurling manager, citing player commitment

The Roscommon hurlers are on the lookout for a new manager after Francis O'Halloran announced his departure today, taking aim at the commitment of the players in his resignation statement.

O'Halloran, from Clare, took over the reins late in 2021, guiding the side to the Nicky Rackard final last year, in which they were beaten by Tyrone.

They opened their Division 3A campaign with a 0-17 apiece draw in Mayo but followed it up with a shock home loss to Louth at the weekend, O'Halloran deciding afterwards to call it quits.

In his resignation statement, he said the management team's efforts were not being matched by the playing staff.

"After careful consideration the management team have made the difficult decision to step down from the Roscommon senior hurling team. On our appointment in late 2021 we committed to improving and developing the standard of hurling in Roscommon. We feel that significant progress was made in 2022, culminating with an appearance in the Nicky Rackard final in Croke Park," the statement read.

"However, the commitment and efforts shown by the management team have not been matched in recent times by the playing members of the panel despite our best efforts. Therefore, we have taken the decision to step away from the Roscommon senior hurling team with immediate effect.

"We want to thank the Hurling Board for affording us the opportunity to manage & coach the team. We would also like to thank the Hurling Board Chairman Christy McDermott for his support and dedication behind the scenes.

"We as a management team would like to wish everybody associated with Roscommon hurling the very best for the season ahead & the future."

Roscommon hurling board chairman Christy McDermott thanked the management for their