Mulgrew quits Fermanagh job
Charlie Mulgrew announced that he was ending his reign as manager of the Fermanagh senior footballers last night after their All-Ireland qualifier exit at the hands of Meath.
Mulgrew's four-year tenure came to a disappointing end as the Ernesiders lost last night's Navan clash by 0-11 to 0-9.
The Donegal man, who tearfully told his players of his decision in the dressing room afterwards, certainly had a rollercoaster time in charge.
Mulgrew's most notable achievement was guiding Fermanagh through to the 2004 All-Ireland semi-final, thanks to qualifier wins over Meath, Cork and his native Donegal.
But having brilliantly accounted for Armagh at the quarter-final stage, the Erne men came a cropper in that year's semis, going down by 0-13 to 1-8 to Mayo after a replay.
They never hit the heights of that 2004 season again and this year has been one to forget with last week's first round qualifier win over Wexford being their first competitive success of the 2007 campaign.
They had two defeats and a draw in the Dr McKenna Cup, seven straight losses in the National League and were beaten by Tyrone at the quarter-final stage of the Ulster championship.
Mulgrew, who had been touted for the vacant Donegal job in 2005, paid tribute to his players and the Fermanagh county board after last night's loss.
Admitting that he had always intended that this would be his last year with Fermanagh, Mulgrew said: "It's time for someone else to come in…time for fresh ideas. I would like to thank every one of the players for their efforts."
Meanwhile, Clare manager Páidi O Sé and Kildare boss John Crofton could also have had their last matches in charge of their respective counties - both sides had disappointing defeats yesterday and it remains to be seen whether the pair will continue in their roles.
