Cunningham steps down as Roscommon manager

Anthony Cunningham has stepped down as Roscommon senior football manager.

A statement from Roscommon GAA has said that Cunningham informed the county board that he does not wish to be considered for a fifth year as manager of the Roscommon senior football team.

Cunningham was appointed as Roscommon senior manager in November 2018 and he led Roscommon to a memorable Connacht championship success in 2019. The Rossies defeated Cunningham's native Galway in the 2019 Connacht final.

During his time in charge, Anthony also led Roscommon to two Allianz Football League Division 2 titles. The first was in 2020 and again this year (narrowly defeating subsequent 2022 All-Ireland finalists Galway in the league final), ensuring that Roscommon will be playing Division 1 football in 2023.

Galway reversed that league final result when the teams met in this year's Connacht final.

Commenting on the news, Roscommon GAA chairperson Brian Carroll said: “I want to thank Anthony for everything he has done for Roscommon football over the last four years. Anthony gave it everything while manager and we had many memorable days along the journey.

"On behalf of everyone in Roscommon I want to thank Anthony and his management teams for all their efforts and work. Anthony is one of life’s gentlemen and I wish him the very best of luck in the future.“.

Roscommon GAA's executive committee will now begin the process of appointing a new senior football manager.

Anthony lives in the Kiltoom area and enjoyed managerial success with both St Brigid's and Garrycastle, leading the local clubs to senior title wins in Roscommon and Westmeath respectively.

Cunningham guided Garrycastle to the Leinster senior club crown in 2011 and, ironically, his team went on to claim a famous win over St Brigid's in the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final. Garrycastle then lost out to Crossmaglen Rangers of Armagh in the All-Ireland final (after a replay).

Cunningham also managed Galway hurlers to Leinster success and to two All-Ireland senior final appearances, losing to Kilkenny on both occasions, 2012 (after a replay) and 2015.

As a player, Cunningham won two All-Ireland senior hurling medals with Galway (1987 and 1988).

Cunningham works in Technological University of the Shannon (formerly Athlone Institute of Technology).