Colin Kelly has resigned as Westmeath football manager in the aftermath of the county’s 11-point defeat to Armagh in round one of the 2018 football qualifiers.
The Orchard County proved far too strong at TEG Cusack Park, winning on a 3-16 to 1-11 scoreline that ends Westmeath’s interest in the 2018 Championship.
Kelly said a five-hour commute for training was a major factor in his decision to stand aside after just one year at the helm and he strongly urged the county board to put a local man in charge going forward.
"It’s a massive commitment for me," he said in a statement. "I’ve a young family getting to the age now, I’ve a young girl and boy playing soccer and Gaelic in Dublin.
"Today I was at soccer in Wicklow and I came straight to here. That’s not an excuse. I’ve enjoyed my time here.
"I’ve a great relationship with Billy Foley and Pat Reilly (Chairman and Secretary of the County Board) and I’ve made some great friends among the players," he said.
"We’ve had some fun along the way and maybe it’s time for a Westmeath man to take it on."
