LOUTH GAA HAVE confirmed that Aiden O’Rourke has decided to step down as manager of the county’s football team.

The Armagh man, who won an All-Ireland and an All Star award while playing for his native county in 2002, confirmed to the Louth board today that he would not be putting his name forward for ratification for a third season in charge.

O’Rourke was appointed Louth manager in 2012 on a two-year deal, with the option of a third, having previously worked as a selector with Kildare and Down.

Louth lost to Kildare in the quarter-finals of the Leinster Senior Championship last month, while they were recently beaten by Tyrone in the first round of All-Ireland qualifiers on a 2-12 to 0-10 scoreline.

O’Rourke made the following statement on his decision:

After a short period of reflection with the management team & senior players I have decided not to take up the option of a third season in charge of the Louth Senior team.

We have worked hard to change the culture of the group and create a high performance environment for players to develop and excel in over the past two years but this season’s results do not reflect progress from season one.

I would like to thank the players who worked so hard over that period, striving to improve and making lifestyle sacrifices that belie their amateur status. Taking this decision was made more difficult by the strong desire from the senior players to continue the work we had begun.

I would like to place on record my appreciation to the Louth County Executive Committee for their support during our guidance of the team.

I would like to thank the people who served the players as part of the management team under me. Each worked diligently towards the daily goal of improving the players and enhancing the team.

Is mise le meas,
Aidan O’Rourke

Louth GAA took the opportunity to thank O’Rourke and his back room team for “their hard work, dedication and commitment” over the last two years.

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