O'Rourke's departure confirmed by Armagh County Board

The Armagh County Board have released a statement to announce that Paddy O'Rourke has stepped down as manager of the county's senior footballers.

O'Rourke's three-year reign was brought to a premature end by Roscommon's comeback win over the Orchard men in yesterday's All-Ireland SFC first round qualifier.

The statement from the County Board read: "We wish to announce that as Paddy O'Rourke's three-year term as Armagh senior football manager has reached its conclusion, Paddy has informed the County Chairman that he will not be seeking its renewal.

"The County Board would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Paddy, who has been a true gentleman and a pleasure to work with, for the level of commitment he showed to Armagh which often went well over and beyond the call of duty.

"We encountered many enjoyable days under his stewardship for which we will be eternally grateful."

The Division 2 title success in 2010, O'Rourke's maiden season, was arguably the highlight of his time with Armagh, while they struggled to make their mark on the Ulster and All-Ireland Championships.

O'Rourke's charges never got beyond the third round of the All-Ireland qualifiers in three seasons, but it is clear that he commanded the highest respect from his players.

Aidan Forker, who played in yesterday's defeat at Dr. Hyde Park, tweeted afterwards: "I'm sorry to see Paddy O'Rourke resign and I'm very grateful for the opportunity he gave me this year to play for Armagh. I wish him all the best."

Injured Armagh lynchpin Aaron Kernan had to watch on from the sidelines as their Championship journey was ended. He took to twitter to hail O'Rourke as 'a true Gael and a man I have the utmost respect for.'

Former Armagh captain and All-Ireland winner Steven McDonnell, who retired from inter-county football in April, also tweeted: "Sorry to see Paddy go as Armagh boss. People on the outside will never realise the lengths that this man will go to for his players."

The departure of the Down native leaves Armagh at a crossroads with O'Rourke's assistant Paul Grimley a possible replacement in the main role, although Tony McEntee, who has guided Crossmaglen Rangers to successive All-Ireland club triumphs, has also been linked to the job.

However, when asked about inter-county management in April, ex-Armagh player McEntee said that he plans to manage Cross for one more year and then take a break 'for at least a year.'

"Given that I will be with Crossmaglen next year, I wouldn't even consider thinking about managing another team at the same time," he said at the time.

"And after I finish with Crossmaglen next year, I will be taking a complete break from football management for at least a year. In any case, I don't think I'm experienced enough to take the Armagh job."