SO IT BEGINS. The Limerick Senior hurlers are once again looking for a new manager following the departure of TJ Ryan.
The Garryspillane man stepped down following his side’s defeat to Clare in the All Ireland qualifiers last Saturday night in Thurles.
In a statement from the county board Ryan was thanked for his service to Limerick on and off the field in his roles as player and manager.
The statement in full read –
“CLG Coiste Contae Luimní would to like to confirm that TJ Ryan today Monday July 11th 2016 has informed the Officers of CLG Coiste Contae Luimní that he will not be going forward as Limerick Senior Hurling Manager for the 2017 Season.
CLG Coiste Contae Luimní would like to thank TJ for his commitment and time given over his three year term as Limerick Senior Hurling Manager. We would also like to wish TJ and his family the very best into the future.”
As is the cruel nature of sport at the highest level, the search will now begin, almost immediately, for TJ Ryan’s successor.
The list of names which have been mentioned for the role include, (as pictured above) current Limerick minor coach and former Clare All Ireland winning captain, Anthony Daly. The Banner native is joined on everyone’s shortlist by John Kiely. The current under 21 manager is many people’s favourite for the role, following his All Ireland success last season, coupled with his knowledge of the current group of players.
Also in the hunt and also involved with a Limerick representative side this season, is Leo O’Connor. The Claughaun man has won an U/21 Munster title with Limerick in recent seasons, while also being the intermediate and minor manager in the last two seasons.
Another name on everyones lips is Na Piarsaigh’s All Ireland Club winning manager Shane O’Neill. The former Limerick hurler impressed everyone as he guided the Limerick city club to their first ever All Ireland club success for the county.
As with any list, there is no real end. Ciaran Carey and Mark Foley, both currently with the Kerry senior hurlers, will also be mentioned, as will Liam Sheedy of Tipperary, Nicky English of the same county, and Anthony Cunningham, the former Galway boss. Once more, we await the white smoke, in mid September.
