Solan steps down as Longford manager
Mike Solan has stepped down as Longford manager. Pic: INPHO/Tommy Dickson
Mayo man Mike Solan has stepped down as Longford senior football manager after two seasons in charge.
The Ballaghaderreen man was appointed in August 2024 for a three-year term but has brought his tenure to an end at the end of his second season.
Solan managed Mayo to an Under 21 All-Ireland in 2016, featuring many of the current All-Ireland senior champions including Stephen Coen, Conor Loftus, Matthew Ruane and Diarmuid O’Connor.
He also managed a Mayo Under 20 team featuring Ryan O’Donoghue, Jordan Flynn and Tommy Conroy to an All-Ireland final in 2018.
He was also part of Andy Moran’s Leitrim senior football management team in 2022 and 2023.
Solan led Longford to Division 4 league promotion in 2026. Their Leinster SFC campaign ended at the hands of Westmeath while they were eliminated from the Tailteann Cup by Down.
“I have informed the Executive of Longford GAA that I and my management team of Enda McGahern and Joe Keane are stepping down from our roles with the Longford senior football team,” stated Solan.
“I would like to place on record my thanks to all involved with the senior football team over the past two seasons. We were lucky to have a fantastic backroom team with people who are very passionate about Longford football.
“A special word of thanks to the players who have worked so hard and represented Longford with such pride and were always fantastic ambassadors for Longford anywhere the team travelled. I am very proud to have been associated with such a brilliant group of men.
“I wish Longford nothing but the very best as the team moves forward after gaining promotion to Division 3 for next season. It is my hope that the team will be supported in every way possible to keep striving to improve and drive the standards needed to keep developing.” The Longford County Board will now begin the process of appointing Solan’s successor.
They stated: “Longford GAA sincerely thank Mike Solan and his management team for their excellent work with the Longford senior football team over the past two years and wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.
“Over the past two seasons, 16 new players have made their Longford debuts, with the team and its management securing promotion to Division 3 for 2027, playing in that Division for the first time since 2023.
“Mike and his team have built confidence in a young squad and have laid a solid foundation for the years to come.
“Longford GAA will now begin the process of identifying a new management team and will issue further details on same in due course.”
