Moran to continue as Leitrim manager

Mickey Moran has been reappointed as Leitrim senior football manager, and he will also take charge of the county's junior and Under-21 panels next year.

The move was raitifed at the latest meeting of the Leitrim County Board in Carrick-on-Shannon, but John Morrison, Moran's colourful and longstanding assistant, has decided to step down.

A statement from the Leitrim County Board read: "After much deliberation, John Morrison has decided not to remain on as part of the Leitrim management team for 2011 and will pursue his well-established interest in GAA coaching.

"The Leitrim County Board wishes to extend its appreciation to John for his commitment, expertise and professionalism to our county over the past two years.

"John's coaching expertise will be available to Leitrim clubs and county teams into the future."

It is believed the Armagh man, who looks set to be courted by a number of Ulster counties, is eager to devote his time to writing a new GAA coaching manual.

Moran, who succeeded Dessie Dolan snr as Leitrim boss in August 2008, has watched his adopted county lose to Roscommon in successive Connacht Championships.

Leitrim bowed out of this year's All-Ireland qualifiers in the second round, going down 1-12 to 0-6 to eventual semi-finalists Kildare.