Moran steps down as Leitrim manager after three years

The Leitrim footballers are seeking a new manager after Andy Moran stepped down this evening following a three-year spell in charge.

The former Footballer of the Year said that the decision was taken with a “heavy heart” but stressed it was the “right thing to do at this time”.

“After the team gained promotion to Allianz League Division 3 in 2024, I feel now the Leitrim Senior Footballers are moving to a new phase of their development,” Moran said in a statement, released by Leitrim GAA.

“What is required in my opinion is someone to commit fully for another three years. My three years with Leitrim have been a complete joy.”

Moran was a high-profile appointment back in late 2021, guiding Leitrim for three years, peaking with promotion from Division 4 in 2024.

In his opening season in charge, Leitrim won four of their Allianz League games and narrowly missed out on a Tailteann Cup semi-final place in Croke Park, after losing out to Sligo on a penalty shootout in Carrick-on-Shannon.

2023 marked a regression, the county suffering an ignominious exit at the hands of New York in the Connacht championship and a winless campaign in Tailteann Cup.

However, they bounced back to secure promotion to Division 3, earning their first competitive outing in Croke Park in five years.

In the Tailteann Cup, they exited at the preliminary quarter-final phase, Moran’s reign concluding with a loss to Wicklow in Glennon Brothers Pearse Park.

Leitrim GAA’s management committee said it received news of Moran’s decision to step down “regretfully” and praised their departing manager for his “unbridled passion and enthusiasm”.

“We wish to earnestly thank Andy for taking on the role three years ago and delivering on his promise to do his utmost to improve our fortunes, which we believe he certainly has done. He departs leaving us in a much improved position,” the management committee said in the statement.

Moran himself thanked the players for their commitment and insisted that the county’s future was bright.

“Every player that has played under us has given everything to the cause. Led by Donal Wrynn and Mark Diffley Leitrim people are blessed to have an amazing bunch of ambassadors to represent the county.

“So many obstacles such as population, location, and many other factors are placed in the way of Leitrim football. Yet they keep producing talented young footballers. My hope is that they keep driving on. The future is bright. To everyone involved in Leitrim football – thank you.”