Niall Carew seals new Sligo deal

Niall Carew has committed his future to Sligo for the next two years.

Carew, who spent three years as selector with his native Kildare under Kieran McGeeney before taking on the Waterford job for two seasons, brought Sligo to a Connacht final in his first campaign out west.

They shocked highly-rated Roscommon in the provincial semi-final but were blown away by Mayo in the decider.

A determined effort against Tyrone proved in vain but convinced Carew that the spirit existed in the camp to take the steps required to move to the next level.

“I’m delighted to have come to an agreement with the county board about continuing for another two years,” said Carew.

“This allows everyone to get down to the business of moving Sligo football to another level. The county board have been excellent to deal with in that regard and it is great to know that they will continue to support our efforts.

“It was great to get to a Connacht final and while that proved a very disappointing day, the lads bounced back brilliantly and showed great spirit.

“We have only started our work here. We’re one year in but we’ll be looking to kick on now. It is important that the improvement continues. We have the foundations in place so now we must build on them.”

A statement issued by the board yesterday confirmed that Carew and his selectors will remain in place for the next two seasons: “Niall Carew will manage the Sligo senior football panel for the next two years. The agreement was arrived at following a brief meeting with the managerial appointments committee on Monday. Selectors Ronan Sweeney and Keith Carty as well as the present support staff and backroom team will also remain in place.”