Sligo never got to play in the 2020 Football Championship, and their manager Paul Taylor has stepped down as manager of the senior team.
The Yeats County had to forfeit their Connacht semi-final against Galway following an outbreak of COVID 19 in the squad.
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Eastern Harps clubman Taylor took over Sligo two years ago, having previously managed the under-21s.
Sligo join Louth, Antrim and Waterford in holding vacancies for a senior football manager.
In a statement posted on the Sligo GAA website, Taylor explained his reasons:
After careful consideration I wish to confirm that I am stepping down as Sligo GAA County Manager. Family commitments, work commitments and the current health crisis are the primary factors in my decision.
I accepted the County Manager position two years ago knowing that the team was in a transition phase - with older and experienced players retiring and new younger players called up to County football. Notwithstanding that, there has been significant improvement in the team over the past two years. The players, management team and I have worked tirelessly to develop the players and the squad. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players for their commitment, positive attitude and loyalty during my tenure.
I would also like to thank the backroom and management team who have stood together over the last two years and especially over the last few months where we saw many changes to our daily lives. After all the hard work and preparations, I was bitterly disappointed that we were forced to withdraw from the Connacht SFC tie with Galway due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
For any GAA player, the honour to wear your county colours is one which stays with you a lifetime. I have been fortunate to not only manage the county team, but to also wear the county jersey. I hope to return to GAA football management in the future as the GAA is one of my true passions and will always be close to my heart.
I want to thank the supporters, my friends and my family, Naomi and our four children who supported me during the last two years. Finally, I would like to wish the Sligo players, the Sligo County Board and my successor the very best of luck in the future.
Sligeach abú,
Paul Taylor.
