Niall Carew steps down as Carlow football manager

STEPS DOWN: Carlow manager Niall Carew steps down as Carlow football manager after five years. Pic: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

NIALL CAREW has stepped down as Carlow football manager after five years in charge.

Carew announced his decision after Carlow's 0-15 to 1-9 defeat to Wicklow in Round 3 of the Tailteann Cup on Saturday.

Carlow GAA in announcing the decision thanked him for his absolute professionalism, dedication and passion for football in the county.

The Kildare native, who previously managed Sligo and Waterford, took the Carlow reins in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, and led the Barrowiders in that year's delayed Leinster senior football championship when they lost to Offaly in the first round.

Having failed to gain promotion from Division 4 of the Allianz National League, Carlow endured a disappointing provincial championship, while the highlight of their Tailteann Cup was a dramatic two late goals to force a draw with neighbours Laois.

Carlow, will have no further inter-county activity until the new years, giving them adequate time to find a replacement for the 2025 campaign.Br