Canavan steps down from Fermanagh role

The Fermanagh County Board has confirmed that Peter Canavan has stepped down from his role as manager of the county's senior football team.

A statement released on Monday night read: "We have been notified today by Peter Canavan that he is not putting his name forward for the post of Fermanagh Senior Team Manager for 2014.

"Fermanagh County Committee thank Peter and his entire backroom team for all their hard work and commitment over the last two years and acknowledge the progress made in respect of their work with the county team.

"Peter took over the team at a very difficult time and during his period as manager worked extremely hard to develop a united panel of players leaving the county well placed to meet the challenges of county football in the years ahead.

"We wish Peter and all members of his backroom team every success for the future."

The Tyrone native also issued a statement confirming his departure after two years in the job and paying tribute to the Fermanagh players for their commitment.

"At the outset I wish to thank the former Chairman (Peter Carty) and the current Chairman (Patsy Dolan) for placing their faith in me and my management team to lead the County Senior Team for the past 2 years. I also wish to thank all those people who have supported the County Committee, in various ways, to allow me to carry out the task of managing the County Team to the best of my ability. This includes all those genuine supporters who travelled all over Ireland to support the team.

"My management team and I have worked extremely hard over the past two years and we believe significant progress has been made. The senior footballers now representing their county are fully committed, unified and ambitious. With a clear vision and a united county committee I have no doubt that the players will respond in a positive manner.

"I want to thank my management team for their incredible efforts and sacrifices over the period I was in post and finally my sincere thanks are extended to the special group of players who I have worked with over the past 2 years. They are a credit to their families, clubs and county. The players' commitment, attitude, willingness to work and improve themselves deserves special mention.

"Also in dealing with very difficult and sad issues off the field they displayed maturity and outstanding loyalty to their team mate and friend. This group of players deserve the best and I hope moving forward the Fermanagh County Committee will ensure that this happens. I wish everyone who is genuinely concerned with Fermanagh football the very best of luck in the future."