Shane Roche steps down as Wexford manager

Shane Roche has stepped down as manager of the Wexford footballers after opting against seeking a new term in the role.

Roche was appointed Model County boss in October 2020 after Paul Galvin's mid-season departure. He was part of the Kerry man’s backroom team that season.

Wexford lost to Leinster side Wicklow in their first championship game under Roche’s watch in 2020 before gaining revenge the following season. After that they performed admirably against Dublin before eventually losing out 0-15 to 0-07.

Dublin were comprehensive winners when they met in Leinster this year before Offaly narrowly defeated them in the Tailteann Cup preliminary round.

"The Geraldine O'Hanrahan’s (New Ross) club person met with Cathaoirleach CLG Loch Garman, Micheál Martin, this morning (Monday) to inform him of his decision, which comes after a number of weeks spent considering his future following the conclusion of Wexford’s 2022 inter-county campaign.

A statement from Wexford GAA read: "Shane was first appointed as manager on an interim basis in September 2020 before being formally ratified and handed a two-year term in January 2021. With the split season in place between inter-county and club action, his two-year term is now effectively over, and he has chosen not to seek an extension into 2023 and beyond."

"In a statement Roche said: "I want to thank all the wonderful players and members of management teams I have worked with over the past couple of years for their great dedication and commitment and unfailing professionalism.

"I offer a sincere word of thanks also to the county board, its officials and many associated people in the Wexford GAA family for their support and assistance which was always readily given."

Wexford chairman Micheál