O'Rourke reappointed as Down boss

1991 All-Ireland winning captain Paddy O'Rourke has been reappointed as manager of Down's senior and Under-21 football teams for 2006.

O'Rourke, who succeeded Pete McGrath in July 2002, had a heartening year in charge as his Under-21s made May's All-Ireland final, their first appearance in a decider since 1984, before losing to Galway.

O'Rourke's seniors made little headway in the Ulster championship however, losing in May to Tyrone, before beating Fermanagh and going down to Derry in the All-Ireland qualifiers.

A former manager of Monaghan club Castleblayney Faughs, O'Rourke is expected to confirm his 2006 backroom team by the end of next month.