Paddy Christie
Paddy Christie has stepped down as Longford senior football manager after two years in charge.
The former Dublin footballer departs just days after the county’s 13-year stalwart Mickey Quinn announced his retirement.
Christie won back-to-back O’Byrne Cups with Longford but they were relegated to Division 4 in his first year and narrowly missed out on promotion earlier this year.
In championship, they didn;t make a mark in the Tailteann Cup, losing to eventual finalists Down in 2023.
In a statement Christie said it had been a “difficult decision.”
“Today I’ve informed the Longford GAA Management Committee that I’ve decided to step away from my position as manager with Longford,” he said.
“It was a very difficult decision as I have great admiration for the people in the county – players, management, club delegates, supporters, and the officers of the County Board.
“I’ve enjoyed my time in Longford, I was treated very well, and made very welcome throughout the county. Big thanks to everyone involved, of which there are too many to mention.
“A special mention to the county executive, Club Longford and our team sponsors, Glennon Brothers ,who always tried to accommodate any request, big or small and supported us all along the way. While results didn’t always go our way, these setbacks shouldn’t take away from a lot of good work done in the last two years which will, I believe, serve the team and County well into the future.
“I want to wish everyone involved with Longford GAA all the very best for the season ahead,” Christie concluded.
Christie replaced Billy O’Loughlin who had been manager in 2022.
The board will now put in place a selection committee to find a successor.
