Unanimous support for mick odowd

Mick O’Dowd was unanimously returned as Meath manager for another two-year term at Monday night's Co Board meeting in Kilmessan where there was some opposition about the process that the Executive Committee followed.

The Executive Committee had recommended that the Skryne man should be returned as manager for two years with his position to be reviewed at the end of 2016.

Paddy Ward (Dunshaughlin) and Gerry Fitzpatrick (Simonstown Gaels) highlighted the fact that the Co Board was in breach of its own regulations by not allowing the clubs to submit nominations as per the rule book.

Co Board chairman Conor Tormey explained that as the appointment was not for a new man in the job that the Executive opted to propose an extension for O'Dowd.

“Mick brought in 18 new players over the last few years and we need stability at this stage, the Football Steering Committee will release their development plan later this month and we have to move forward,” stated the chairman.

Ratoath delegate Andy Fahy urged the delegates to support the appointment.

“Mick O'Dowd is the man to lead the Meath team, we can trust him so we should let him get on with it,” he said.

The chaiman informed delegates that new selectors for the football team would be notified by the next meeting when delegates would have a chance to ratify them.

Martin Ennis was ratified as the hurling manager.

Both O'Dowd and Ennis were unanimously returned to their positions.