Roche departs Wexford as football manager vacancies grow

Wexford GAA have today announced that Shane Roche will be stepping down as their Senior Football manager.

Roche met with Cathaoirleach CLG Loch Garman, Micheál Martin, on Monday and confirmed the decision. “Today I have informed Wexford County Board that I will not be seeking a new term as Wexford Senior Football manager, “he said in a statement after stepping down.

“I leave my position with many very happy memories and with gratitude for the immense honour and privilege it has been to have both managed my county and represented it as a player,” added Roche.

Roche was part of Wexford sides that reach Leinster finals in 2008 and 2011, as well as the All-Ireland semi-final in 2011. He was given the managerial role on an interim basis in 2020 but was eventually offered a two-year term at the beginning of 2021.

The news adds to numerous counties that are now without a Senior football manager. Offaly have yet to replace John Maughan, Meath are the same with Andy McEntee who has joined Antrim, Mayo haven’t covered the James Horan gap, while Seamus McEnaney stepped away from Monaghan.

A primary goal for the job would have been to gain promotion from Division 4 of the Allianz national league which he failed to achieve. However Leinster Championship wins against Wicklow last year and Offaly this year can be seen as strong highlights highlights.

Regardless, Roche made clear that his true objective was to have a connected group and he thanked all his colleagues in the statement. “I want to thank all the wonderful players and management teams I have worked with over the past couple of years for their great dedication and for their unfailing professionalism.

“Combining the role of manager with being father of two young boys necessitates a special type of commitment, and that in itself is a measure of the man, “responded Micheál Martin.

“On behalf of all of CLG Loch Garman, I thank him sincerely for his service, and wish him all the best for the future,” said the Chairman.

Wexford announced that the process to appoint a replacement will get underway in the next few days.