TJ Ryan has dropped a broad hint that he’s about to step down as Limerick senior hurling manager, writes Jackie Cahill.

Ryan was appointed joint-manager in 2013 alongside Donal O’Grady but he was in sole control in 2014 following O’Grady’s resignation.

Former player Ryan guided Limerick to an All-Ireland semi-final appearance two years ago but the Shannonsiders have crashed out in the qualifiers for the past two seasons.

Speaking to reporters after this evening’s four-point defeat to Clare in Thurles, Ryan said: “I’ve given three years of my life to this job. I’ve given every waking hour.

“Anybody who’s ever been involved in a management team, anybody who’s ever been involved in inter-county setup, it takes huge time.

“It takes massive effort. It’s every day, every minute of every day, phone calls, trying to organise everything, trying to do it to the best of your ability for the county.

“I’ve given everything as a player and as a manager to Limerick hurling.

“I’ve brought it as far as I could. It wasn’t to be, it wasn’t good enough.

“Without making anything formal, I will probably do that during the week but I’ve taken it as far as I could.

“I’ve given it absolutely everything, I genuinely have. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, I’m very grateful to the people who have allowed me the opportunity.

“I’ve nothing but pride for the guys that played for me, the guys that gave everything.

“I’ll always thank them and I’ll be grateful for every single effort that everyone made. But for me personally, it just wasn’t good enough. I’ve no problem taking the flak for that.

“I’ll sleep on it, think about it over the next day or two.

“Talk to the people involved and basically just come to a decision. Look what I’ve given it to it time wise for three years, I’ve enjoyed it, but it just wasn’t good enough.

“In life when you look back, most of the regrets people have is for the things they didn’t do.”

Ryan was handed a new, three-year deal in August 2014 after they produced a spirited display in defeat against Kilkenny.

But it now appears that Ryan will be leaving the post a year early, following another early Championship exit.

Despite playing with a man extra from the 14th minute of the Munster SHC semi-final against Tipperary on June 19, Limerick slumped to a disappointing defeat.

They regrouped to beat Westmeath in the qualifiers but Clare dumped them out tonight, running out 0-19 to 0-15 winners.