Leitrim GAA Secretary Bohan reflects on the year of three Leitrim Senior football managers!

2024 was a tumultuous year on the managerial front for the Leitrim Senior Football team with three different managers in place at various times during the year, a situation Secretary Declan Bohan compares to 1978 and the 'year of three Popes'.

Writing in his annual report which will be delivered at Convention on Tuesday December 17, Declan said “1978 became known as the ‘Year of the Three Popes’. Well in times to come, perhaps, 2024 will be known in Leitrim GAA circles as the ‘Year of the Three Senior Football Managers’’! Leitrim GAA moved swiftly, on being notified of a vacancy to appoint Mickey Graham as Manager in August.

"But this era ended before it had even started on the morning of the County Senior Football Final, October 6. Suddenly we found ourselves on a list that contained only three counties without a Senior Football Manager. Movement was swift and our gratitude is extended to the selection committee who had Steven Poacher ready for ratification on the Bank Holiday Monday in October. 

“We wish Steven and his Management the best of luck as they prepare the forces for the Allianz League campaign which will recommence on the last weekend of January.”

Declan also looks forward confidently to the future: “Much social media commentary has been afforded our Senior Managerial dilemma this year. It is the life blood of the media to report breaking news when it occurs, that’s life. However, in 1978, two men unfortunately died, thankfully all parties are still breathing healthily here, and the show will go on. We have a most enthusiastic management team in place for next year and we wish them the very best of fortune.”

BOHAN QUESTIONS SUSTAINABILITY OF INTER-COUNTY ACTION

The Secretary paid tribute to Andy Moran for his impact on the county: “We anticipated that we would be discussing a continuation of the reign of Andy Moran. However, he informed us in early July that he was relinquishing his role after three years. 

“We would like to acknowledge the efforts of Andy and the entirety of his varied management team over his term. He had asked us what we desired at the outset, and it’s fair to say, being in the mix for promotion was on the wish list, in addition to being more competitive in Championship football. 

“He departed, having secured promotion, and we did, in fact advance to the KO stages of the Tailteann Cup. Andy brought much more with his infectious enthusiasm and personality which will be missed around the place.”