By Pat Nolan
Paul Shankey has decided against taking up the option for a third year as Waterford senior football manager.
The highlight of the former Meath footballer鈥檚 two-year spell was a Munster quarter-final win over Tipperary last year, their first Championship win over their neighbours in 36 years. It was also their first victory in Munster in 14 years and bridged a six-year gap to their last Championship win of any kind.
But Shankey found progress in the League and Tailteann Cup hard to come by. They finished bottom of Division Four in each of the last two years and failed to qualify from their group in the second tier competition in either season.
In a statement, Waterford GAA credited Shankey, who has been a long-time resident in the county, for bringing 鈥減rofessionalism and dedication to the role鈥 and 鈥渉elping to guide the team through a period of development and transition鈥.
Waterford chairman Neil Moore added: 鈥淲e extend our sincere thanks to Paul for his commitment and service to Waterford football. His contribution over the past two years has been valued, and we wish him every success in the future.
鈥淭he process to appoint a new senior football team management will now begin.鈥
Shankey鈥檚 departure means that Waterford join Louth, Sligo, Mayo, Antrim, Roscommon and Dublin in looking for a new football manager.
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