Mike Solan steps down as Longford senior football manager

Mike Solan has stepped down as Longford senior football manager.Solan, who was appointed in August 2024 for a three-year term, has brought his Longford tenure to an end.A former Mayo under-21 manager, the Ballaghaderreen man guided his native county to an All-Ireland title at that grade in 2016. He was also part of Andy Moran’s Leitrim senior football management team in 2022 and 2023.Solan guided Longford to Division Four league promotion this season but will not be at the helm in 2027. Longford’s Leinster SFC campaign ended at the hands of Westmeath in the opening round while they were eliminated from the Tailteann Cup in Round Three by Down.READ MORE“I have informed the Executive of Longford GAA that I and my management team of Enda McGahern and Joe Keane are stepping down from our roles with the Longford senior football team,” stated Solan.“I would like to place on record my thanks to all involved with the senior football team over the past two seasons. We were lucky to have a fantastic backroom team with people who are very passionate about Longford football.“A special word of thanks to the players who have worked so hard and represented Longford with such pride and were always fantastic ambassadors for Longford anywhere the team travelled. I am very proud to have been associated with such a brilliant group of men. “I wish Longford nothing but the very best as the team moves forward after gaining promotion to Division 3 for next season. It is my hope that the team will be supported in every way possible to keep striving to improve and drive the standards needed to keep developing.”The Longford County Board will now begin the process of appointing Solan’s successor.They stated: “Longford GAA sincerely thank Mike Solan and his management team for their excellent work with the Longford senior football team over the past two years and wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.“Over the past two seasons, 16 new players have made their Longford debuts, with the team and its management securing promotion to Division 3 for 2027, playing in that Division for the first time since 2023.“Mike and his team have built confidence in a young squad and have laid a solid foundation for the years to come. “Longford GAA will now begin the process of identifying a new management team and will issue further details on same in due course.”