Hewitt resigns as Athlone Town women's team manager
Tommy Hewitt has resigned as manager of the Athlone Town senior women's team.
In a statement, the Athlone Town AFC board confirmed that it had "regretfully accepted the resignation" of Hewitt.
Hewitt guided Athlone to a memorable season in 2022, reaching the FAI Women's Cup final - in which they lost to Shelbourne - and finishing second in the Women's National League.
Popular with players and supporters alike, Hewitt's departure will be seen as a significant blow to the club.
Hewitt was a former Athlone Town player whose own playing career was cut short by serious injury.
"Over the last four years Tommy has been hugely instrumental in the development of the senior ladies team and we all remember last season’s heroics when the team finished second in the League and that fantastic day out in Tallaght for the Women’s FAI Cup final," said the Athlone Town statement.
"Then earlier this year the team landed their first silverware when they won the President's Cup in a dramatic day at the Athlone Town Stadium, ensuring Tommy’s place in the history of the club."
The club thanked Tommy for "all his hard work and dedication" and wished him the best in his future endeavours.
"We now begin the task of seeking a new Manager for our Senior Women’s National League team and will be making no further comment on this matter," the club statement added.
Hewitt posted online that he was leaving his role "with great sadness and disappointment”.
"It's with great sadness and disappointment I have to end my journey with Athlone Town Ladies. I have had a great opportunity to manage a wonderful group of players over the last few years," he said.
Hewitt thanked all the coaches and backroom team members who assisted him during his time in charge, especially Anto Fay (whom he described as his "right hand man through the good times and bad"), Davy H, Kevin Rohan, Mick and Estella Keogh.
"To all the players who made this journey a special one and to the current players, I wish you all the best for the remainder of the season. I have no doubt some of ye will go on to have fantastic careers.
"A special thanks to all the supporters over the last few years and lastly to my family who supported me through this journey, thank you so much," Tommy added.
Athlone currently lie in seventh position of the 11 teams in this season's SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division. The departure of some key players from last season's squad has hampered Athlone's hopes of challenging for honours this season.