TURLOUGH O’BRIEN HAS stood down as manager of Carlow’s senior footballers, the county board have announced.
This was set to be O’Brien’s final year in charge but he has brought the decision forward to facilitate a smooth transition into next year, with the delayed 2020 Championship likely to conclude close to the beginning of the 2021 National League.
O’Brien sent six years in charge of Carlow, and in 2018 guided them to promotion from Division Four for the first time in 33 years. Carlow then shocked Kildare in the quarter-finals of the Leinster Championship, a first Championship win over the Lilywhites since 1953.
A four-point loss to Laois in the semi-finals cost them a place in the final against Dublin.
“We will never forget the special days in 2017 and 2018, particularly those sweltering evenings in Netwatch Cullen Park, when we took on some of the best the country has to offer under O’Brien’s stewardship”, read a county board statement.
“The most memorable of all however, must be that famous afternoon in Tullamore when the Manager led our team to a famous Championship victory over Kildare en route to the Leinster semi-final.
“The absolute professionalism, utter dedication & unbridled passion which Turlough brought to the Carlow Senior Football set up over the past six years, alongside his various backroom staff, has undoubtedly elevated Carlow’s Football status to new heights.
“We take this opportunity to thank him unreservedly for all he has done during his tenure and we wish him every success and happiness for the future. He truly embodies the spirit of ‘CarlowRising’, fíor Ghael Cheatharlach gan dabht.
“Beir bua agus beannacht Turlough.”
Gave a small county some great days,Turlough and Poacher were an odd couple of sorts but christ was it enjoyable.Brilliant servant
Gutted… but grateful to have such a brilliant man and manager who took a good bunch of lads onwards and upwards. A couple of unfortunate results along with some very poor refereeing decisions in a couple of games in Division 3 that ultimately led to relegation but this is a better and more capable and confident team than when he took over 6 years ago. Not forgetting some fantastic results in the championship down through his tenure. Legend in club and county football
@Michael Wynne: Well said Michael.I remember James Bermingham’s “performance” in the match against Down,cost them dearly that day
@John Fagan: ref did nothing wrong. Disgusting carry on from the Carlow line.
@You can call me anything but:
Plus O’Brien and Poacher oversaw the most horrible, negative defensive football ever seen. Worse than anything any of the Ulster counties ever produced, bar Rory Gallagher teams.
@Robb Stark: obviously haven’t a breeze about Carlow football… Don’t be listening to a gob shy te like Wooly either.
@John Fagan: The game vs Westmeath in Mullingar was a killer and then the game vs Down. The less said about the ref that day the better.
@Michael Wynne: he’s right. Ball boys up at home matches so everytime Carlow kicked a wide ball boy in the corner would kick second ball onto pitch to stop quick kick out. That’s cheating
A true Carlow man. Very passionate about the county. I loved the energy Poacher brought too. We never had much to shout about at intercounty level before this.
But we had great days out in the past few years. Beating Wexford in the championship for us was a big deal. Going on to face the Dubs live on Sky in Portlaoise was a great buzz.
Even though we lost out to Monaghan we hd a great time and I can tell you we gave them a serious shock. The sun was shining and we all stayed on the pitch with the players well after full time.
But for me beating Kildare was the real highlight. Such a high quality of football – no wides remember!!!
Just a bit gutted we didnt get one over on Laoise at least once that year.
Torlough enjoy the cycling and thanks for being a great leader for the county.
Carlow not rising.
@Robb Stark: Wow you’re so creative
@Almight Joe: cheers, mate.
Good man Turlough. We’ll done
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