John Maughan steps down as Offaly senior football manager

Tomás Ó Sé has been touted as potential replacement.

John Maughan has officially stepped down as Offaly senior football county manager. Offaly football is undoubtedly moving in the right direction as waves have been made in the underage set up, and their recent u20 All-Ireland success last year shows there is great promise for the future. This season however was a disappointing one, as they were relegated from Division 2 and crashed out of the Leinster championship to Wexford. However, a promising run in the Tailteann Cup saw them reach the semi-finals and lose out in a thrilling game against Westmeath, the eventual winners of the competition.

“Offaly senior football manager John Maughan has stepped down after four years at the helm of our senior football team,” an Offaly GAA statement reads. “Offaly GAA want to sincerely thank John and all his backroom team for their commitment and dedication towards our senior football team throughout their tenure.

“Uibh Fhailí Cathaoirleach Michael Duignan thanked John for his positive contribution to Offaly football over the past four years and he wishes John and his family every best wish and success in the future.” Speculation about replacements has already began circling as Tomás Ó Sé, the Kerry legend who is part of the backroom team, is already linked with the job. Earlier this month, before anything was made official, Offaly chairman Michael Duigan had told the BBC that he believes the man from The Kingdom could be the one to step in should he leave. “Obviously Tomás would be a contender,” Duignan said. “There’s a process actually. There’s a bye-law, we have to take nominations from the clubs.

“We’ve to go through the process. I couldn’t sit here and say Tomás Ó Sé will be the next Offaly manager.

“I think Tomás Ó Sé will be in the running and I think he will be interested.” "He's so committed to the cause" - The GAA Hour pundits praise James McCarthy after Dublin's loss to Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final.