Ward set to be named new Leitrim manager

Donegal native Shane Ward is poised to become the new manager of the Leitrim senior footballers.

Ward, a teacher in Manorhamilton, managed the Leitrim U21s this season and is set to be rewarded for guiding them to their first victory in the grade in 17 years with the senior job.

He will take over from Sean Hagan, who stepped down after one season in charge when they were knocked out of the qualifiers by Down.

There is likely to be a strong Donegal presence in the Leitrim backroom team next season as Ward will probably include his colleagues from the Aodh Ruadh club in Ballyshannon, Gregory Sweeney and Benjy Drummond, as part of his set-up.

Sweeney and Drummond, who was manager of the Glencar/Manorhamilton team beaten by reigning champions St Mary’s of Kiltoghert in the Leitrim SFC at the weekend, were part of Ward’s U21 management this year.

They secured one of Leitrim’s finest wins in recent times when they shocked reigning All-Ireland champions Galway by 0-9 to 0-8 in the Connacht semi-final.

It was Leitrim’s first win at U21 level since 1998 but they were beaten in the final by Roscommon.

Ward has been involved with development squads over the years and also guided his club Aodh Ruadh to their first Donegal U21B success in 20 years last season.

Ward’s appointment is set to be ratified next week and his first task will be to defend the Connacht FBD title in January which Leitrim have won for the past two years.