Nigel Dineen, pictured during his time as manager of the Roscommon U21 team. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile.

Former Roscommon star takes charge of Caulry

Kieran Galvin

Published: Wed 21 Jan 2026, 11:46 AM

Caulry GAA has appointed former Roscommon football star Nigel Dineen as the club's new senior football manager.

Dineen succeeds Pat Flanagan who stepped down following the conclusion of the 2025 campaign after two years at the helm.

Caulry reached the quarter-finals of the 2025 Westmeath SFC, securing their place in the knockout stages with a victory over neighbours Moate All Whites. However, their hopes of further progress were ended by eventual finalists Coralstown/Kinnegad.

Dineen will be assisted by former Caulry player Alan Fitzpatrick (who also has strong family ties with Clann na nGael) and Philip Rainey, a former Maryland player.

During his time as manager of the Roscommon U21 team, Dineen guided his native county to All-Ireland final appearances on two occasions, losing out to Dublin both times. As a player, Dineen won three Roscommon SFC medals with Castlerea St Kevin's, and also played for Tulsk Lord Edwards.

Confirming the appointment of Dineen, Caulry GAA said: "Caulry GAA is delighted to announce Nigel Dineen as manager of the club's senior team for 2026, alongside Alan Fitzpatrick as coach and Philip Rainey as selector.

"Nigel comes to our club with a wealth of knowledge, having led the Roscommon U-21 football team to two All-Ireland finals against Dublin in 2012 and 2014. The club wishes Nigel and his team the very best of luck for the coming year."

Dineen led Elphin to Roscommon intermediate championship success in 2024 and, last year, Dineen's Elphin charges reached the senior championship quarter-finals, where they lost out to Clann na nGael.

A local politician, serving as an independent councillor on Roscommon County Council for a number of years, Dineen also managed Strokestown in the past.

Shane Curran, one of Dineen's teammates from his time playing with Roscommon, previously managed Caulry for three years and guided the Mount Temple/Baylin side to the Westmeath SFC semi-finals in 2023.

Caulry are set to compete in Section A of the 2026 Westmeath SFC alongside Flanagan Cup holders The Downs, Coralstown/Kinnegad, Mullingar Shamrocks, Garrycastle and St Loman's, Mullingar.