Cribbin steps down as Ward retires because of injury

Offaly's search for a new senior football manager will step up a gear in the coming weeks after Tom Cribbin's decision to step down from the post. The Clane native had asked for more time to consider his future in the wake of Offaly's defeat to Limerick in the All-Ireland qualifiers, but he has since decided to resign after three years in charge. Offaly endued a disappointing 2011 season, missing out on promotion from Division 3 of the Allianz Football League before losing heavily to Wexford in the Leinster championship. They bounced back to record a surprise win over Monaghan in the All-Ireland qualifiers, only to lose to Limerick by 0-15 to 3-12 in the next round. "Tom Cribbin has informed Offaly county board Chairman Pat Teehan that he will not be seeking a further term as Offaly senior football manager," a statement from the Offaly county board read. "Pat Teehan thanked Tom for his contribution to Offaly football over the past three seasons, saying it was always all about Offaly with Tom and never about himself. We wish Tom all the very best." Even before Cribbin confirmed his intentions, the Offaly county board had appointed a selection committee to choose their next football manager. Joining Pat Teehan and county secretary Martin Boland on the committee are St. Brigid's delegates Laz Molloy and Mick Casey, Ballycumber's Jim Kelly and Gerard Noonan of Rhode. Meanwhile, Offaly forward PJ Ward has been forced to retire from all levels of football due to injury at the age of just 28. The talented forward, who caused a stir when he transferred to the Faithful County from neighbours Westmeath in 2006, hasn't been able to play this year due to a persistent shoulder problem and has been left with no option but to retire. Ward burst onto the scene during Westmeath's successful Leinster minor championship campaign of 2000, when he scored 1-4 in the final against Dublin. He subsequently represented the Lake County at under-21 and senior level before a club transfer from his home club Kilbeggan Shamrocks to Rahan/Mucklagh outfit Shamrocks made it possible for him to declare for the Offaly footballers. Having also lined out for New York in the Connacht championship, he is one of a small group of players to have played championship football for three different counties.