Hayes ends Carlow tenure

Liam Hayes has announced his decision to end his tenure as Carlow senior football manager.

The former Meath midfielder, whose late father Jim played for Carlow for 12 years, will not seek a third year in charge. He confirmed his plans following yesterday's Tommy Murphy Cup semi-final defeat to Leitrim.

Hayes cited "business and family commitments" as the main reasons behind his stepping down.

He took to the helm in December 2004, succeeding Luke Dempsey, and had a very successful first season with a famous one-point victory over Offaly in the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers being the pinnacle.

Defeats to Laois and Meath scuppered the Barrowsiders' All-Ireland chances this summer, and Hayes' two-year reign came to a disappointing end in Birr yesterday as Leitrim ran out 2-12 to 0-8 winners.

The two-time All-Ireland winner said: "I have a lot of work on at present so I wouldn't be able to give the commitment that the Carlow job demands.

"I have no doubt that Carlow will make progress over the next few years. They have a solid squad and if they continue to put in the work they will improve," he said.

"I enjoyed my time with them - they are a good group and I hope they get some rewards in the coming years."