O'Neill resigns from Fermanagh post

John O'Neill has called time on his short run as Fermanagh senior football manager, bringing to an end what the County Board have termed "a difficult year for Gaelic football in Fermanagh".

There were high hopes for O'Neill, the county's former minor and Under-21 boss, when he was given a three-year term last September.

But the Lisnakea Emmetts clubman's tenure was dogged by player unrest which first emerged in the spring. A number of players withdrew from the panel, suggesting that they would only line out for the county side under a different manager.

Eleven players, including Tommy McElroy and Peter Sherry, issued a collective statement in April, insisting that 'the current management falls far short of the high standards of organisation and preparation required'.

Results on the pitch did not help as the Ernesiders finished fourth in Division 4 of the Allianz League and suffered an eight-point defeat to Derry in the Ulster Championship.

O'Neill's charges were then turned over rather embarrassingly by London in the first round of the All-Ireland qualifiers, and there was another setback a few weeks later when fundraising body, Club Eirne, announced that they would be withdrawing their financial support of the squad.

A review committee was set up by the Fermanagh County Board in July to look into the disappointing performances of the O'Neill-managed side over the course of the season.

His departure from the hot seat seemed inevitable given the stand-off between a section of the players and the management, and O'Neill's resignation has now been confirmed by the County Board.

Delegates from the Fermanagh clubs were expected to discuss the managerial position at a meeting last night.

However, a subsequent statement issued by the Fermanagh County Board read: "CLG Fhear Manach was informed tonight by John O'Neill that he has resigned from the position of senior football manager.

"CLG Fhear Manach would like to extend gratitude and appreciation to John and his backroom team for their work with the county panel throughout what was a difficult year for Gaelic football in Fermanagh.

"CLG Fhear Manach wish John and his management team every success in the future."