Eddie Conroy steps down as Lahardane MacHales manager

After guiding Lahardane MacHales to victory in last Sunday’s intermediate championship relegation semi-final, Eddie Conroy has decided to step down as manager of the Bofeenaun based side after three glorious years.

It has certainly been a magical journey for Lahardane MacHales under Eddie Conroy’s stewardship as he guided the club from junior ranks up to intermediate in his first season in charge, which also included a coveted Connaught junior championship title. Lahardane defeated Sligo’s Owenmore Gaels 3-10 to 1-12 in the 2023 Connaught junior final.

Last year, the black and amber had memorable championship encounters against neighbours Crossmolina, and a famous draw against Moy Davitts. Indeed, the black and amber were within touching distance of beating the Moysiders in that classic encounter. In the end, Lahardane had to go down the relegation play-off route to secure their intermediate status, and they achieved that goal by defeating Islandeady.

This season, Lahardane were pitted in a tough intermediate championship group which included rivals Ardnaree Sarsfields, Ballinrobe, and Castlebar Mitchels (B).

Lahardane showed plenty of character to earn a deserving draw against Ardnaree, before suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of Castlebar Mitchels (B). However, in the black and amber’s final group game, the Bofeenaun men drew with Ballinrobe in a game that could have gone either way.

Once again, the MacHales had to face into an intermediate championship relegation semi-final last Sunday, but they passed that test after edging a high scoring thriller against Burrishoole on a score-line of 3-22 to 2-21. It was certainly a fitting way for Eddie to end his tenure as Lahardane manager, with Eddie also celebrating his 50th birthday on Sunday night.

Eddie is wished the very best of luck for the future from all involved at Lahardane MacHales GAA Club.

The club would also like to say a big thank you to Paul Dorrian for his three years as being the physio for the intermediate men’s team. Paul has also decided to step down from his role, and is wished the very best of luck for the future.