Mick O’Rourke has announced that he will be stepping down as manager of the Wicklow ladies intermediate football manager after two years in the role.
The news follows a successful season for the side, as they captured division four of the Lidl National Football League with a 100% record before losing in the final of the Leinster championship and the quarter finals of the All-Ireland.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Thursday evening, O’Rourke announced that he and his management team of Mick Kavanagh, Caitriona McKeown, and Emer Miley would be stepping away from the team, and thanked all of those who had supported ladies football in the county.
“As our year came to an end in the All-Ireland quarter final v Sligo, I just wanted to thank the following people as I hang up my management boots.
“To Sandra O Shaugnessy and David Moran in Ballinakill Centre of Excellence, thank you for putting in so much effort to accommodate us.
“To Wicklow Ladies County Board for all your support in setting up a professional structure especially to our best supporter Mags Allen.
“To our Leinster President Dominic Leech thank you for all your help and support over the last two years.
“To our loyal supporters who travelled all over the country supporting us, you helped get us over the finish line on so many occasions, we can never repay you.
“Shay Dunne our Strength and conditioning coach, stats and analysis man (and Josh) thank you for bringing the girls to a new level and for being so professional in everything you have done. Our physio Clare Pierce, you were respected by management and players as you were so good at what you do and always let player welfare come first.
“All the squad members over the last two years you have given so much to the county jersey, made huge sacrifices, wore your jersey with pride and delivered so many great memories, it was an absolute pleasure to be involved with such a great group of players.
“The management team of Caitriona Mckeon, Emer Miley and Mick Kavanagh, you gave everything to the county team and every decision you made was for the good of the team, I am very proud that I got the opportunity to work with the 3 of you.
“To my amazing wife Chrissie Shortt thank you for all your support over the last two years and blessing us with two amazing kids, Millie and Benji. All the time I spent at football admin, training and matches you backed me the whole way and of course with your wealth of football knowledge were able to help and question some of my decision making.”
Reacting to the news, the Wicklow LGFA said that they respected the decision of O’Rourke and his management team and thanked them for all of the work that they had put into the squad.
“While Mick played down his own involvement in his post, everyone associated with Wicklow LGFA would like to thank him together with Mick Kavanagh, Caitriona McKeown and Emer Miley for the effort they have put in during their tenure. Mick was always a pleasure to deal with and tried to further the cause of Wicklow in any way that he could.
“Congratulations on a magnificent effort culminating in victory in this year’s Lidl NFL Div 4 together with their huge effort in the Leinster final and following that with great displays in the All Ireland series. Please know that all your work was really appreciated and on behalf of the players, officials and supporters of Wicklow Ladies Football please accept our heartfelt appreciation.
“Thanks so much for the wonderful memories guys.”
