By Michael McMullan

MICKEY Moran has stepped down as Kilcoo manager after leading the club to the All-Ireland Club title.

Conleith Gilligan and Richard Thornton, who were part of Moran’s management team, have taken over as joint managers.

Moran, who is shortlisted for Manager of the Year at Friday’s Gaelic Life All-Star awards, ends a three-year term that saw the club win three Down, two Ulster and one All-Ireland title.

The extra-time defeat to Corofin was the only championship defeat during his tenure.

He called time four years and a day after stepping down as Sleacht Néill manager,

“During his time in charge Mickey has improved our senior team and has developed many of our young players to a level that sets us up very well for the future,” commented a Kilcoo club statement.

“During his three seasons at the helm, Mickey showed serious commitment in the pursuit of glory and we thank him from the bottom of our hearts for everything that he has done for our club.

“Words will never do justice for what he’s brought and he will forever be a legend of Kilcoo. We wish him all the best. Mickey Moran, A king.

“We are also delighted to announce that Mickeys two assistants, Conleith Gilligan and Richard Thornton will become joint managers of our senior team, two great men to take over, ” the statement continued.

“We wish both men well and look forward to getting started for 2022.”

Kiloo’s first game of new season is a league clash with Bryansford on Thursday, April 7.

Moran coached the Derry 1993 All-Ireland winning team under Eamonn Coleman and managed Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal.

The former Derry manager, who turns 70 next month, won a Tyrone championship with Omagh in 1988 and coached Carrickmore to back-to-back O’Neill Cups in the 1990s.

In this four years as Sleacht Néill manager he led the club to four Derry championships, three Ulster titles and two All-Ireland finals, losing the second one narrowly to Kerry giants Dr Crokes.

At University level, he also had Sigerson Cup success as UUJ manager.

READ MORE…Former players speak about the influence of Moran…Click here…