Limerick football manager resigns after just five competitive games

"Mark Fitzgerald will take up the position of manager until the end of the season."

Limerick's football manager Ray Dempsey has resigned after just five competitive games in charge of the county. The Mayo native is believed to have made his decision on Thursday night, following a meeting with his players. In a statement, the Limerick county board announced that Dempsey and his management team will all step down, apart from coach Mark Fitzgerald, who will take over as manager until the end of the season. The statement read: "Limerick GAA wish to announce that the Limerick Senior Football management have stepped down with immediate effect.

"Limerick GAA would like to thank them for their commitment to the job and wish them well in their future. "Mark Fitzgerald will take up the position of manager until the end of the season."

Fitzgerald, of Kerins O'Rahillys, was previously a Kerry minor selector under James Costello. Billy Lee was the manager before Dempsey, and had seemed to have Limerick heading in the right direction, particularly after their impressive league campaign last season. Lee guided his team to a Division Three title after defeating Mickey Harte's impressive Louth team in the process. The Treaty County opened their Allianz Football League Division 2 campaign with a heavy defeat to Derry, scoring just 0-04 in a 12-point defeat. Things didn't get any easier as they lost to Dublin, Louth and Cork before picking up a draw against Meath. Dempsey took this role after an impressive few years with Knockmore, where he won two back to back Mayo senior championships. He was also tipped to get the vacant Mayo job, with Oisin McConville set to be a part of his backroom team. However, Kevin McStay instead got the position, and McConville has since became the manager of Wicklow. Related links:

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