Ronayne steps down as ladies football manager
Tipperary senior ladies’ footballers are on the search for a new manager after Shane Ronayne decided not to seek another term in charge.
By Shane Brophy
It ends a hugely successful four-year term for the Cork native who guided Tipperary back to senior level after winning All-Ireland Intermediate titles in 2017 and 2019.
He also helped Tipperary reach division 1 of the National League winning back-to-back promotions from divisions 3 & 2 in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
“I haven’t made this decision lightly and my association with this group of players and management team certainly made the decision extremely hard,” Ronayne said.
“I feel that after four years the time is right for a change. My time in charge of the team has been both enjoyable and successful.
“In the National League we gained back to back promotions in 2017 & 2018 and the players will in early 2021 commence their third campaign in a row in Division 1.
“Two All-Ireland Intermediate titles were won in 2017 and 2019 and the performances in this year’s senior championship gives great hope for the future of Tipperary Ladies Football.
“During my tenure I was fortunate to work with some fantastic people in my backroom team and I want to thank my S&C coaches James O’Leary, Craig Quinlan and Alan O’Connor, goalkeeping coach Ger Lombard, physios Maire Aherne, Ronan Crosse and Grainne O’Callaghan, and my selectors Ann Marie Ruby, Sarah Jane Dermody, Elaine Harte, Ed Burke and especially Tony Smith who was there for all my time with the group.
Ronayne, who is a secondary school teacher at Colaiste Dun Iascaigh in Cahir where the team trained regularly, thanked the school, as well as the County Board, sponsors Camida and the clubs of the county for their support and making facilities available.”
Lar Roche, chairperson of Tipperary LGFA thanked Shane Ronayne for his years of selfless work and devotion, as manager of the Tipperary senior team.
“When Shane initially came on board we were playing at Intermediate grade and playing in Division 3 of the National League. This coming season in 2021, we will be entering our third year of playing in Division 1 and our second consecutive year in the Senior Championship.
“In the past four years under Shane’s stewardship we have won four national titles and he has significantly contributed to raising the profile of Ladies Football in Tipperary.
“Shane has shown unbridled passion for success and his determination and attention to detail have reaped just rewards. Thank you Shane and we sincerely wish you every success in the future,” he said.
With such a talented group of players who are still relatively young and in Aishling Moloney have one of the best players in the country, the Tipperary job will be hugely attractive to prospective candidates when the County Board begin the process of appointing a new manager as the 2021 season is likely to get underway in just two months’ time.
COUNTY BOARD SEEK NOMINATIONS FOR SENIOR FOOTBALL MANAGER POSITION
Tipperary LGFA are seeking expressions of interest to succeed Shane Ronayne as Senior Ladies Football team manager.
Due to a short timeframe, applicants are requested to express their interest in the position by this Sunday, 13th December at 6.00pm. Expressions of interest are to be via email to County Secretary: secretary.tipperary@lgfa.ie, or DM the Tipp LGFA Facebook or Twitter pages.