The statement revealed: "Gerry and his management team had a lengthy meeting with the panel of players last night and afterwards Gerry tendered his resignation in what he described as the best interest of Offaly football.

"Pat Teehan thanked Gerry for his loyalty, commitment and 100% dedication to the long term future of Offaly football.

"The Offaly County Board will now commence the process of putting in place an interim management team for the Championship. The County Board or Gerry Cooney will not be issuing any further statement at this time."

There were few signs of progress during Cooney's short reign in Offaly, with the Meath native overseeing a disappointing Allianz Football League campaign that saw the Faithfuls relegated to Division 4.

Offaly's league run included just one win and six defeats. They have struggled for stability in recent years and the players have clearly grown frustrated by this.

Tom Cribbin stepped down as manager following their Championship exit at the hands of Limerick last July. It was not until November that the Offaly County Board put Cooney in charge.

The first test for the interim Offaly management will be the Leinster SFC first round clash with high-flying Kildare on June 17.