By Cian O'Connell

Cian O'Neill has stepped down as manager of the Kildare footballers.

Last month Kildare were knocked out of the 2019 All Ireland SFC by Tyrone in a Round Three Qualifier at St Conleth's Park, Newbridge.

Following four years in charge Kildare GAA released a statement on Tuesday morning confirming O'Neill's decision.

"Having recently informed the players, management and backroom, I met with the County Board yesterday to inform them of my decision to step down from my role as Kildare Senior Football Team Manager," O'Neill said.

"As a proud Kildare man, it was an honour and privilege to have been given the opportunity to work with an exceptional group of players, each one of us doing our best to represent our clubs and county with distinction at all times. Unfortunately, the successes of consecutive promotions from Division 3 to Division 1, a first Leinster Final in eight years and progression to the Super 8’s in 2018 was met with equal disappointment across these four years where frustratingly we didn’t always reach our potential as a group.

"As manager, this is my greatest regret and ultimately my responsibility, and this undoubtedly informed my decision to step away from this role. This will hopefully leave time and space for my successor and the chosen group of players to take the challenge to a new level under a new direction."