Down trainer Gormley quits

Former Tyrone footballer Jody Gormley has quit as trainer of the Down senior football team.

The 34-year-old Trillick man is stepping down just three weeks after the Mourne men's dismal All-Ireland SFC qualifier exit at the hands of Sligo.

Gormley, who still plays club football with Bredagh, was brought into the Down set-up in September 2004.

A well-liked coach, he played at senior level for Tyrone between 1995 and 1998, and returned for the Red Hands in 2000 after a spell in London. He won two All-Ireland Under-21 and two Ulster SFC medals with Tyrone.

Appointed by Down boss Paddy O'Rourke to bring his side to "another level", Gormley played a big part in helping Down to encouraging wins over Meath, Kildare, Wexford and Derry during this season's National League, but their championship campaign was a forgettable one.

Gormley also coached Abbey CBS to a unique double this year. The Newry school claimed the MacRory Cup title in March and won a thrilling All-Ireland SFC 'A' final in May when they pipped St. Patrick's of Navan to secure their first ever Hogan Cup.