FOOTBALL BOSS SOUGHT
McEnaney tenders resignation after one year at helm
SEAMUS McENANEY has stepped down after just one year as Wexford Senior football manager.
Having taken over the role from David Power last November, McEnaney set about rebuilding the squad by introducing a number of new players, culminating in the winning of promotion from Division 4 after just five games.
But thereafter the season fell flat, losing out heavily to Westmeath and Carlow, while also going down heavily in the Division 4 league final to the midlandeers.
It was in the championship that Wexford’s season really dismantled though, surprisingly losing their opening round game to Carlow. While they resurrected their campaign with a qualifier victory over Limerick, their season ended on a sour note with a heavy defeat to his native Monaghan.
It was following that final game that ‘Banty’ gave first indications of his future intentions, asking for time, but citing the travel as a huge burden which he felt was unsustainable.
And last Wednesday, McEnaney issued a statement announcing his resignation from the position of Senior football manager.
‘After careful consideration, my management team and I are stepping down from Wexford senior football with immediate effect,’ it said.
‘The travel to and from Wexford being unsustainable, being the primary reason for stepping down.’
He went on to thank Wexford County Board for their help and support during his period as manager, and everyone who contributed to the Wexford football set-up, making it a most enjoyable journey.
He also thanked his backroom team which he described as being of tremendous support. He said David Murphy as selector was fantastic to work with, and also thanked team trainer Martin McElkennon for his commitment, Gerry Nolan the team physio, and the team’s kitmen, David Murphy Snr. and Lee Devereux.
Lastly, he thanked what he described as a fantastic group of players that showed huge commitment, a positive attitude and displayed tremendous loyalty and respect, which made his decision to step down a difficult one.
Meanwhile, Wexford officials are continuing negotiations with Senior hurling manager, Davy Fitzgerald.
Both parties have remained silent since the All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Waterford, but despite speculation being rife, there’s still little of a positive nature as to Fitzgerald’s future if any with the county.
However, County Development Officer, Cathal Byrne, did throw some light on the matter when speaking on the Ferns Centre of Excellence development last week.
He stated ‘negotiations with Davy (Fitzgerald) are ongoing’, but refused to speculate any further on the matter.