The Donegal County Board confirmed this evening that Rory Gallagher has stepped down as manager of the county's senior footballers. 

Gallagher first took charge of the team for the 2015 season and last year agreed a new four year deal but has now chosen to walk away in the wake of Donegal's heavy 4-17 to 0-14 defeat to Galway in Round 4B of the All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers. 

A new-look and youthful Donegal had impressed in Division One of the Allianz Football League this year, but their form dipped in the Championship as they were also well-beaten by Tyrone in the Ulster SFC Semi-Final before being knocked out by Galway.

"Donegal County Committee would like to place on record its thanks and appreciation to Rory Gallagher for his massive contribution to the county’s footballers over the last seven years," the Donegal GAA statement said.

"Rory’s huge input into Donegal claiming three Ulster titles (’11, ’12, ’14) and the All-Ireland crown (’12) was telling and his replenishment of the panel in 2017 following a spate of retirements means that our young footballers are on a firm standing to build on their introduction to senior inter county football in the coming seasons.

"We’d also like to thank the various people who formed his backroom teams since 2015. Rory leaves Donegal in Division 1 of the Allianz Leagues. In the coming weeks, our attentions will turn to identifying a suitable and quality replacement to carry on the good work and structures Rory leaves in place. We wish Rory and his family a happy and successful future."