'A hugely difficult decision': Steven Poacher steps down as Carlow coach

Steven Poacher has stepped away from his role as coach of the Carlow senior footballers.

The Newry-native was a key member of Turlough O'Brien's backroom team as Carlow enjoyed an upsurge of fortunes during his three years involved.

Carlow won three games in the 2017 Championship and produced a landmark win over Kildare the following year, when they also achieved promotion from Division 4 of the League for the first time in 34 years.

However, his final year was a less happy one as a 12-week suspension for "threatening conduct towards a referee" saw him, and O'Brien, left in the stand as Carlow were dumped out of the Championship, having also been relegated in the League.

Poacher was set to remain part of O'Brien's backroom team after his reappointment in September, alongside new selectors Darren Leonard and Simon Rea, and S&C coach Kieran Nolan. Last month, Poacher said signing off after the suspension would have left a "bad taste".

Writing on Twitter last night, however, Poacher said he had arrived at "a hugely difficult decision to step away".

"A massive thank you to everyone at @Carlow_GAA for the last 3years, players, management, supporters & most of all @TurloughCarlow a truly wonderful man! A hugely difficult decision to step away, it's been some journey! Full of wonderful memories, forever in my heart," he wrote.

A massive thank you to everyone at @Carlow_GAA for the last 3years, players, management, supporters & most of all @TurloughCarlow a truly wonderful man! A hugely difficult decision to step away, it's been some journey! Full of wonderful memories, forever in my heart 🙌 ❤️ 💛 💚 pic.twitter.com/jpey3VgwyJ

— Steven Poacher (@Stevie_Poacher) November 10, 2019

One of the best. Thanks for everything ⁦@Stevie_Poacher⁩!! Time flies by in the 🇬🇳 pic.twitter.com/8CoDDyeY7a

— Darragh Foley (@Dfoley9) November 10, 2019

Thanks for the memories @Stevie_Poacher, an honourary Scallion Eater for life🇬🇳 https://t.co/rqlHO1zQ7M

— Carlow GAA (@Carlow_GAA) November 11, 2019

Fair play for what you have done in your few years down this way. Big boots to fill. Good luck with the future 👏🏻👏🏻

— Pádraig Amond (@padraigamond21) November 10, 2019