The Down manager has decided to call it a day. After a five year spell at the helm of the Red and Black, James Macartan has bowed out following a number of under par performances from the side.
Wee James came close to glory at Croke Park in 2010 in the All-Ireland final when Cork denied the Red and Black by a point. But it was the final cut from Kildare at Pairc Esler in the Championship round in July that forced him to make the decision to quit.
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End of the road: James Macartan has retired as the Down manager.[/caption]
Down showed a clear lack of form, motivation and confidence in facing Kildare who were quite beatable. It was a memorable and disappointing defeat, especially for the many thousands of fans who had travelled in better expectations.
The Burren man doggedly battled against the odds and this year there was severe disappointment when the Down team failed to make it to the top flight in Division One of the National League.
With one year left of his contact, James Macartan decided to throw in the towel and now the Down GAA board will be faced with a fundamental review of senior football in the county and how a new squad and manager can be forged together to once again see Down knocking at the door of Croke Park.
But that will take a serious reorganisation at senior football level to ensure the cream rises to the top, and equally junior football too will need to be geared up to allow for the best talent to emerge. There is much to  be done and the next few months will be a hectic time for the Down County GAA board who will have to shape up a whole new strategy.
James Macartan enjoyed excellent support from the many Down stalwarts such as Benny Coulter who Tweeted on hearing the news: “Personally gutted that James has stepped down as Down manager. Knew it was coming but still gutted. Cant speak highly enough of him”.
Speaking last Friday, James Macartan said: ” I have informed the officers of Down GAA County Board of my decision to step down as manager of the county senior football team.
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to hold this position since my appointment in 2009, just as it was to represent my county on the field of play. It was my intention to do my very best in trying to bring Down back to the top and while we did not achieve the titles and silverware that we craved, it was not for the want of trying. We came very close to claiming the greatest prize in 2010 and there were plenty of good days. It was important for me to have a Down team playing regularly in Croke Park and 2014 was the only year of the five in which this didn’t happen.
“I have enjoyed the challenge. But it is time for a new voice and I wish the next manager well. He and the players who wear the red and black will always have my support.
“I wish to thank all those who featured in the Down jersey during the past five seasons and those great people who were part of the management and backroom team. They made my job much easier and all the more worthwhile.
“I also want to thank the county board who gave me the honour of managing the county side and were always supportive and courteous. The same applies to the clubs of the county and to Down supporters and all who followed us up and down the country over those five years. Finally, I wish to thank my family who have been patient and encouraging.”
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