Down ladies are searching for a new senior management team after Colm Donnelly confirmed he and his backroom’s departure.
The break comes after what has been an up-and-down tenure for the Monaghan native in a transitional year for the Mourne side.
It was a very hard decision to leave, says Colm: “It was a very tough call,” confirmed the emotional coach.
“There were a few sleepless nights before I finally made the decision. It wasn’t something I took lightly, but I genuinely felt it was the right thing to do.”
Donnelly, who took the role over a year ago, felt the time was right for DJ Morgan, Donal Kane, Conor McKeown, and himself to step away:
“I firmly believe we had made really good progress yet sometimes in life you have to make tough decisions for the benefit of others, and that’s what I’ve done.”.
The loss of the full management team is a setback for the Down board, who will consider their own options now as Donnelly directed tributes to his backroom team, who put in some sterling work.
“ I have to say, they were absolutely brilliant to work with,” affirmed Donnelly.
“They had a fantastic attitude towards everything we asked of them and were totally committed to helping develop and progress the players. They deserve a huge amount of credit for the work they put in behind the scenes.”
There’s speculation that Donnelly could be in line for a role in his native Monaghan with Enda Flannigan’s management role apparently up in the air as the senior manager’s job was advertised recently.
As far as he’s concerned, though, it’s time for some ‘R and R’: “I’m just going to enjoy the break, take some time to switch off and hopefully get away on a few city breaks during the winter. Right now, I’m looking forward to having a bit of downtime and enjoying it.”
During his brief tenure Donnelly gave upwards of 10 players senior debuts and the team finished third in Division Three of the National League, just missing out on the final.
Despite disappointment in the Ulster Championship they progressed to the last four of the All-Ireland Intermediate series.
A loss to Fermanagh at Clones was one of the season’s low points, but Donnelly says Down are well-placed, albeit needing new leadership:
“Down are in a good place, and I personally feel they need a fresh voice and a different approach to take them to where they want to go next. I believe that’s the right thing for Down at this stage.
“The players and County Board were brilliant to work with: committed, highly motivated, and passionate about Down football - and we had great ‘craic’ along the way too.”
The Down County board paid tribute on social media to Donnelly and his coaching team, saying: “The management team’s commitment to our county team, along with the time and sacrifices they made throughout the season, are greatly appreciated.”
Whatever the future holds for Donnelly he was quick to affirm his time in the Mourne County was enjoyable:
“It’s been an unbelievable experience. There have been some great highs and a few lows, but I’ll always look back on my time with Down with great pride.”
