BREAKING: Jimmy Lee hits out at football board as he steps down

JIMMY LEE has pulled out of the running to remain as the manager of the Limerick senior footballers.

The Newcastle West man led the Shannonsiders to a Tailteann Cup final in 2025 as well as the Allianz League Division 4 title that year.

A difficult 2026 saw an injury plagued Limerick suffer relegation from Division 3 and fail to win a game in the championship. The Tailteann Cup round 2 defeat to Wicklow in May officially brought his tenure to an end.

While Lee initially expressed his intention to stay in charge, the county board set up a committee to propose a manager to lead the county for the 2027 season.

In his statement announcing the news, Lee was critical of the football board - but thankful to the county board - and suggested Micheal Cahill as his ideal replacement.

“Today, I want to announce my decision to step away from the process that will select the next Limerick Senior Football Manager,” Lee said in a statement to the Limerick Leader. “Whilst not an easy decision to make, I feel it is the right one.

“I want to express a huge thank you to all the management and backroom team members who soldiered with me on this journey. Throughout the highs and lows, each of them always put Limerick football front and centre. I took this role on three years ago to help progress football in Limerick. These people were with me every step of the way.

“To each and every player who trained and made sacrifices to wear the green and white jersey, thank you. It was my privilege and an honor to be your manager.

“I had a front-row seat watching you develop, both on and off the field, as individuals and as a united group. I have every confidence that all of you still have plenty to offer to Limerick GAA and your clubs.”

Lee says his choice to take over would be current coach Micheal Cahill.

“I want to especially thank Micheál Cahill, who has been with me from the very outset. Our common goal to progress Limerick football was always at the forefront of our thinking.

“After several conversations with Micheál, I am delighted to be able to say that Micheál has made the decision to put his name forward for the position of Limerick Senior Football Manager.

“I hope that the selection panel will see the importance of appointing him to the role, not only for his knowledge, skills and commitment, but also to create the continuity that, in my opinion, is essential to avoid the turnover of players that has previously taken place when management teams exit. Micheál will wholeheartedly have my full support now and into the future on his journey.

“Behind every player, management and member of the backroom team, there are wives, husbands, partners, kids and other family members who were also part of this campaign . “The sacrifices that you made were more than most, and I want to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you for that support.

“To the supporters, whether it was well wishes or following us to all corners of the country and beyond over the past three seasons, thank you. You made our journey memorable & worthwhile.

“To our sponsors, JP, Noreen and the McManus family, thank you for your constant commitment and support. It is greatly appreciated.”

Lee thanked the county board but was critical of the football board and asked them to reflect on their roles

“To those on the Limerick County Board who guided and helped me during my tenure, thank you. A special word of appreciation to Seamus McNamara, Mike O’Riordan and Sean Burke for their fulsome support.

“With every campaign , there are highs and lows. While the highs I can point to include the successful and memorable journey of 2025, the lows unfortunately also came that very same year. The biggest disappointment for me during my tenure was the relationship with the Limerick Football Board. Their remit, as I understand it, is to serve the best interests of Limerick football.

“My belief is that each and every person who sits on that Football Board needs to reflect on the remit they have been given. The lack of support that they gave to the management team and players can only be described as disrespectful and disappointing.”

Lee thanked his family, including his wife Ida, for their support and added he is looking forward to returning to the role of Limerick supporter in the coming years.

The committee set up to appoint a manager for next year will be chaired by Paddy Mulvihill and include former players Stephen Lavin and Muiris Gavin. County board chairman Seamus McNamara and Gerry Phillips are also on the committee.