Peter McGrath became the second Ulster County managerial casualty on Saturday.

Following Brian White's decision to step down at Antrim, McGrath and his management team resigned with immediate effect following Down's 1-16 0-14 defeat at Longford.

It has been a poor season so far for Down, and after a poor National League campaign, now see their season abruptly finished.

McGrath was the longest-serving team boss in Ulster when he became manager in September 1989.

He is only surpassed as the long-serving manager in Ireland by Meath's veteran Sean Boylan who has been in charge since 1982.

McGrath won All-Ireland medals with Down in 1991 and 1994.

The last seven days put the lid on things for McGrath.

''The last week was particularly disappointing,'' said McGrath.

''The defeat against Donegal last week, and then I thought that during the week the team we had succeeded in getting the team lifted.

''We came to Longford looking to redress what happened last week in Ballybofey.

''We started well, but Longford were just too strong for us.

''From my own perspective, I have some great times with Down in the first half of the Nineties.

'Fresh ideas'

''We were looking to rebuild the team and blood young players, but the last couple of seasons have been disappointing, particularly in terms of Championship results.

''So maybe it is time to give a fresh face with fresh ideas and fresh impedus a chance.

''I think I have to be fair not only to myself, but to the county and to the players.

''I always said down through the years, that I would personally know when the time is right to go, and that time is now.

''Over the last 13 years, I have obviously seen county panels come and go, and it would not be a state secret that maybe at this point in time there's not a great bank of talent available.''

All-Ireland Qualifiers:
Waterford 3-11 3-19 Roscommon (Result)
Antrim 1-10 0-14 Westmeath (Result)
Monaghan 1-8 2-11 Louth (Result)
Carlow 0-9 0-18 Laois (Result)
Wicklow 2-22 2-6 London (Result)
Longford 1-16 0-14 Down (Result)
Limerick 1-16 2-12 Cavan (Result, Aet)
Wexford 0-10 1-9 Tyrone (Result)