Offaly ladies footballers on hunt for third manager as interim boss walks away in frustration at absence of players

OFFALY ladies footballers are on the hunt for a third manager in the space of a couple of months after the quick departure of interim manager, Brian Cosgrave.

Cosgrave stepped in for the remainder of the National League campaign after Edenderry man, Greg Farrelly was jettisoned abruptly and ruthlessly during the campaign in February – Farrelly had enjoyed great success in his first stint as manager, leading Offaly to All-Ireland junior glory in 2013.

Cosgrave, who managed Shamrocks to Offaly ladies football intermediate success last year, had managed the team previously and took over for the remainder of a disappointing league campaign.

He ended hopes that he would stay in charge for the rest of the season by announcing his departure on Tuesday. In a message sent to players, Cosgrave stated that he had only initially committed to two weeks to give the County Board a chance to get a permanent manager but had stayed on for six weeks.

He praised the current players for their commitment and desire to play for their county but expressed frustration at the ones who won't come on board, leaving them with a small panel and championship looming in a few weeks time.

Cosgrave told the players that he had made his decision with a “heavy heart” but was amazed at the players who didn't want to play for their county and this had finally “broke” him.

Offaly are in the Leinster intermediate championship with Wicklow, Laois, Westmeath and Wexford and meet Wicklow in the preliminary round on April 27 with the semi-finals down for May 4.

One of the leading lights in the early days of ladies football in the 1970s, into the 1980s, Offaly have a strong club scene and plenty of very keen, talented players. The departure of two of their outstanding and most exciting players to Australia, however, has been a devastating blow to the county team: Kate Kenny and Amy Gavin-Mangan, both members of the dominant west Offaly based Naomh Ciaran side, are playing in the professional Australian Football League.