Fergal O'Donnell, who has stepped down as Roscommon minor football manager. Photo: Ann Hennessy.

Dowd appointed ros 21 boss as odonnell departs minor role

Mark Dowd was ratified as the new Roscommon U-21 football manager at the October meeting of Roscommon GAA County Board last night (Tuesday).

Dowd succeeds Nigel Dineen, who led Roscommon to two All-Ireland finals during his tenure - Dublin defeated the Rossies in both of those deciders (2014 and 2012).

A native of Strokestown, Dowd guided Ballaghaderreen to the Mayo senior football title in 2012. Dowd’s charges went on to reach the Connacht club final later that year, in which they were defeated by St Brigid’s.

In a statement, the Roscommon County acknowledged the contribution of Nigel Dineen.

“Roscommon GAA wishes to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of former manager Nigel Dineen and wish him and his backroom team well for the future. The appearance of Roscommon teams in two All-Ireland finals in three years has done much to inspire the next generation and has shown them that players from the county can compete with the best in the country,” said the statement.

Dowd has been appointed for an initial two-year term and will be assisted by Iain Daly (Michael Glaveys), John Rogers (Strokestown), John Nolan (Roscommon Gaels) and James Deane (Shannon Gaels).

The Strokestown man served as a selector on a number of Roscommon teams including the All-Ireland winning minor team of 2006 and the Connacht SFC winning team of 2010. Both of those teams were managed by Fergal O’Donnell, who has stepped down as Roscommon minor football manager.

It was announced at last night’s meeting that O'Donnell has stepped down following the competition of his two-year term in charge.

“During this time Fergal and his management team ensured that Roscommon maintained its status among the top tier of Minor teams in the country, reaching the All-Ireland semi-final in 2013 and quarter-final in 2014. Clubs have been invited to submit nominations for his successor and further details will be announced in due course,” said the Roscommon County Board statement.

Meanwhile, former Limerick and Laois manager Liam Kearns has joined the Roscommon senior football backroom team for the 2015 season. The Tralee native led the Limerick U21s to a first ever Munster title and All-Ireland final appearance in 2000, defeating Westmeath in the semi-finals that year.

Kearns also steered the Limerick senior side to two Munster finals and a National League semi-final.