McGrath steps down

PETE McGRATH stepped down last night as Louth football manager. With a year still to run in his two-year term, McGrath decided to walk away from the job after a season which saw the team relegated to Division 3 after failing to win a single game, and eliminated from the qualifiers by Leitrim last month. ‘Pete has great enthusiasm for the game and Louth GAA enjoyed a positive working relationship with him and his management team. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours,’ read a statement issued by Louth last night. His departure almost certainly brings to an end the 64-year-old’s inter-county management career. Meanwhile, Roscommon’s Cathal Compton has been named to start in tomorrow’s All-Ireland SFC fourth round qualifier-clash with Armagh. Compton was forced off in the Connacht final defeat to Galway. Fintan Cregg, who was also struggling with injury, is on the bench. ROSCOMMON (v Armagh): C Lavin; D Murray, N McInerney, S McDermott; J McManus, P Domicanm, C Devaney (c); C Compton, T O’Rourke; C Murtagh, C Cregg, E Smith; D Smith, U Harney, D Murtagh. TYRONE (v Cork): N Morgan; P Hampsey, R McNamee, M McKernan; T McCann, F Burns, P Harte; C Cavanagh, D McClure; M Donnelly, N Sludden, C Meyler; C McShane, R Donnelly, C McAliskey.