Frankie Dolan is ready to open discussions with Longford GAA after Abbeylara’s championship exit removed the final obstacle to a possible move into the county’s vacant senior football post.
The Roscommon great had been contacted by Longford several weeks ago, but delayed any decision while concentrating on Abbeylara’s Longford Senior Football Championship campaign. With the club now eliminated by defending champions Killoe, Dolan has confirmed he will follow up on that initial approach.
Frankie Dolan ready to explore Longford GAA opportunity
Dolan said Longford’s management committee had respected his wish to see the club season through before considering another role. He now plans to make contact and assess whether the position is the right fit.
His availability follows his departure from the Wicklow backroom team led by Oisín McConville. Dolan played a part in Wicklow’s Tailteann Cup success this summer, but is no longer involved with the county setup.
Speaking after Abbeylara’s defeat, he indicated that a suitable local opportunity would be worth considering. However, no appointment has been made and several conversations still need to take place before he could commit.
Player availability will be central to decision
Dolan’s next step is likely to involve more than a meeting with Longford officials. He expects to speak with members of any potential panel, examine player availability and discuss the proposal with his family.
That background could make him an attractive candidate. His three seasons with Abbeylara gave him close knowledge of footballers operating in Longford, while his recent work with Wicklow added inter-county experience to his coaching record.
He guided Abbeylara to the 2024 Longford senior title, ending the club’s wait of almost 20 years for county championship success. That achievement remains one of the strongest indicators of his understanding of the local game.
A strong Longford and Roscommon football connection
Dolan also has a personal history with Longford football. As a player, he won a senior county championship with Ballymahon in 2002, when his uncle Dessie Dolan Snr was involved as manager.
His wider playing career was decorated with major honours. He helped Roscommon win a Connacht championship and became a key figure for St Brigid’s, collecting 10 Roscommon senior titles and four Connacht club championships.
One of the defining moments of his career came in the 2013 All-Ireland club final. Dolan scored the winning point against Ballymun Kickhams to secure the title for St Brigid’s, creating a lasting memory for the Kiltoom club.
Why the role could appeal
Longford would represent a return to a familiar football environment for Dolan. He has faced the county regularly in recent years and noted the difficulty of overcoming Longford at Pearse Park, where the team has built a strong home reputation.
That familiarity may help him form an early view of the squad’s strengths and the areas requiring improvement. It could also offer Longford a manager with knowledge of county football, club development and the demands placed on players across a season.
Still, the process is at an exploratory stage. The county board must establish whether Dolan is the preferred candidate, while Dolan himself must determine whether the role matches his ambitions and the commitment available from players.
What happens next for Longford?
The immediate focus will be on the planned discussions between Dolan and Longford’s management committee. Those talks should provide a clearer indication of whether the former Roscommon forward will take charge of the county team.
For now, Longford supporters will have to wait. Dolan has expressed definite interest in making contact, but the next Longford GAA appointment will depend on the outcome of those conversations and agreement from all sides.
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Article/Image Courtesy: Balls.ie
