McEntee departs Longford role before starting in earnest

Andy McEntee this evening sensationally stepped down as Longford senior football manager, just weeks after being appointed to the position. Leaving the midlands county behind the 8-ball with a view to getting systems in place for the 2027 season as the midway point of November is just upon us.

Something underlined by the fact that the draw for next year’s inter county Provincial Championships takes place on Thursday next. In a letter to the Longford Co Board, read out to a recent meeting thereof, the former Meath and Antrim manager and Monaghan coach said:

“Over recent weeks it has become clear to me that the level of player availability and commitment needed to build on this year’s promotion is not in place at this time.

“Players have their own reasons, and I respect that. But I could not in good conscience continue in a role I do not believe I can deliver on, and it is better for Longford that I make this decision now, so the county board has time to appoint a manager before the league.

“Thank you to Longford County Executive, the Selection Committee and the County Board for the confidence you placed in me. I wish Longford football every success.”

While, first and foremost, Andy’s decision will come as a shuddering blow to the midlands county so close to the off of a new season, the player unavailability and/or apathy referred to is difficult to fathom. Not only due to the fact that they were this spring promoted to Div. 3 of the NFL, but also in view of the county’s quite recent annexation of a Leinster MFC title.

In fact, as if to underline that there is plenty of young talent in the county you need only look at the likes of James Moran of Emmet Og Killoe who has figured prominently in the Sigerson Cup over the last few years.

Then again, viewed through a different lense, it may prompt a few questions given that Mike Solan had already stepped down after guiding them to promotion earlier in the season. I mean, are Offaly honestly that much better than Longford or is there more to it than is in the public domain?

Wherever the truth may lie it will be interesting to see future developments from a couple of different directions. One, who Longford will get at this late stage of pre season, and secondly, where Andy McEntee’s lifelong GAA journey will take him next.