Breaking: Shock as Dublin ladies' All-Ireland winning boss Mick Bohan resigns

Mick Bohan has resigned as Dublin ladies football manager after eight years in charge and five All-Ireland titles.

The news has come as a major shock, and comes just weeks after Kerry All-Ireland winning joint managers Declan Quill and Darragh Long walked away.

It leaves the race for next year’s All-Ireland title wide open with any one of four or five sides fancing their chances of landing the Brendan Martin Cup.

Read More Lost Gaels: New book celebrates the life of GAA members killed in the conflict

Read More Early blow for new Meath boss Robbie Brennan with Royals set to lose rising star to AFL

In a statement, Bohan outlined how he had been involved with Dublin football teams - ladies and men - in some capacity since 2002.

He said: “I am so thankful to have had such a fulfilling coaching career with so many great players, mentors and coaches but more importantly so many special people.

“I have been honoured to represent Dublin during this time and the standards that we set were equally about how we represented our county as it was about winning silverware.

“These past eight years I have found myself in the privileged position as manager of the Dublin Senior Ladies team, an incredible group of young women who show such pride in the blue and navy.

“I do believe they have changed the landscape of how ladies football is played for the better and I am so proud of how the players carried themselves both in victory and defeat. This city means a lot to all of us and our games are special.

“The team and I took all of this on board every time we got the opportunity to represent.”

Bohan went on to thank the County Board for their “unwavering support” and his family “for affording me the time to follow my passion at this level of sport.”

He continued: “There is a bit of selfishness in us all and somebody has to carry the load, so thank you.

“The management teams with whom I worked with showed complete and utter drive for and behalf of Dublin, so thank you.”

Bohan went on to indicate his willingness to offer his “experience and expertise in the area of development,” while he also thanked sponsors and fans.

And he hailed the players as the “most important,” adding: “Every healthy team is player centred and driven but management led.

“You have represented our town and our people with such high values and I will forever be grateful for that.

“However, I leave in the knowledge that you are in a healthy place. You have been loyal, honest and will carry the standards embedded into you long into the future.

“To sign off, to the captains during my time: Martina Farrell, Sinéad Aherne, Niamh Collins and Carla Rowe - you are special people who carried the fight and the flag and our county will forever be indebted to you.”

Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts