Meath officials express regret at Coyle departure

Meath County Board officials today expressed their regret at the departure of Colm Coyle as the Royals senior football manager and the retirements of veteran players Graham Geraghty and Darren Fay.

All three ended their involvement with the Meath panel in the wake of last Saturday's nine-point defeat to Limerick in the All-Ireland qualifiers.

In a joint-statement issued by Meath Chairman Barney Allen and Secretary Cyril Creavin, the officials stated that Coyle had given "remarkable service to Meath football, both as a player and manager", while they also noted the input of selectors Tommy Dowd and Dudley Farrell.

"Coiste na Mm C.L.G. would also like to place on record its appreciation of the efforts of Colm's colleagues on team management, Tommy Dowd and Dudley Farrell, as well as the other members of the back-up team."

Meanwhile, Allen and Creavin also showed their appreciation of the commitment and dedication of star players Geraghty and Fay, who both decided to retire following Saturday's shock loss.

The duo were key members of Meath's All-Ireland winning sides of 1996 and 1999, while they also helped Meath reach an All-Ireland final in 2001.

"There is no doubt that they have been two of the finest footballers ever to wear the Meath jersey. We wish Darren and Graham all the best in the years to come," the statement concluded.

It is as yet unclear when a successor to Coyle will be appointed, but Farrell reportedly has a strong interest in the position and he is currently employed in a full-time coaching capacity by Meath GAA.