TJ Ryan has stepped down as Limerick hurling manager following their Championship exit, writes Stephen Barry.
Ryan led Limerick to the 2014 All-Ireland semi-final in his first year in charge.
Having come within two points of an All-Ireland final, the past two years have seen the Treaty knocked out before the quarter-finals and unable to secure promotion from Division 1B in the League.
Limerick lost to League champions Clare by four points on Saturday.
Ryan’s announcement comes as little surprise as he said after the game that: “I’ve brought it as far as I could. It wasn’t to be; it wasn’t good enough.
“I’ve given three years of my life to this job. I’ve given every waking hour.
“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.”
The Limerick County Board confirmed Ryan’s decision after two days of reflection.
They added that they “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.”
Agus sin è. Great days. Great memories. Great friends. Was so proud everytime I wore green & white #7 #LuimneachAbú pic.twitter.com/i1dd9kOAnT
— Pa Ranahan (@PaRanahan) July 11, 2016
Veteran Limerick footballer Pa Ranahan also announced his inter-county retirement today.
The wing-back has called time on his career after last Saturday’s All-Ireland qualifier loss to Cork.
