Gerry Cooney has stepped down as Offaly football manager, RTÉ Sport has learned.
The Meath native was appointed in November after a prolonged search but a disastrous National League campaign, where the midlanders lost six out of seven games, saw the Faithful County relegated to division 4.
Offaly are set to meet neighbours Kildare in the first round of the Leinster championship on 17 June.
Cooney had a lengthy meeting with the panel last night and decided to step down in the best interests of Offaly football, it is reported.
In a statement released by Offaly, County Board chairman Pat Teehan was said to have reluctantly accepted Cooney’s resignation.
They will now put in place an interim management team in preparation for the Leinster championship.
Meanwhile, Armagh goalkeeper Paul Hearty has announced his retirement from inter-county football.
The Crossmaglen Rangers clubman was part of the All-Ireland winning panel in 2002.
