Westmeath LGFA seeking new manager as Finneran departs

Michael Finneran has stepped down as manager of the Westmeath ladies football team.

Westmeath LGFA confirmed Finneran’s departure from his position in a brief statement which said he "has decided not to continue in his role as manager of the Westmeath ladies team for the 2024 season".

The statement thanked Finneran and his management team for "their hard work and commitment to our team" and wished him the very best in the future.

A former St Dominic's and Roscommon star, Finneran took charge for the 2022 season in the aftermath of Westmeath winning the All-Ireland intermediate title in 2021.

But the decision of a number of players to step away from the inter-county scene meant competing at senior level was an even more difficult challenge than expected. Westmeath were duly relegated from the All-Ireland Senior Championship, having also been demoted from Division 1 of the NFL.

In the 2023 All-Ireland Intermediate Championship, Westmeath were knocked out by eventual finalists Clare at the quarter-final stage. In the 2023 Lidl NFL, Westmeath finished fourth in Division 2 behind Armagh, Laois and Tipperary.

Finneran's decision to step down means both Westmeath and his native Roscommon will have new management for next season - see here for an article on the departure of Ollie Lennon as the Rossies' manager.