Search begins for new manager as McIntyre resigns

Date Published: {J}

STEPHEN GLENNON

Galway senior hurling manager John McIntyre has stepped down from the position ahead of next month’s crucial Hurling Board meeting which was to have decided his future in the post.

McIntyre, who had remained tight-lipped about his intentions since Galway’s summer came to a grinding halt against Waterford in late July, has called time on his tenure with the Tribesmen in the “best interests” of hurling in the county.

“In my hearts of hearts, I knew the game was up for John McIntyre and this management team when we fell so disappointingly to Waterford in Thurles,” he told Tribune Sport this week. “It was a dispiriting defeat, there are no excuses, but I would say that the players did not go out to perform badly.

“I almost resigned that evening, but I was anxious to let things settle for a few weeks and take stock of the situation to ensure my original hunch was the correct one. Obviously, nothing has happened in the interim to alter that opinion.”

Although the public had been divided on whether McIntyre should stay or go, the announcement will still come as a surprise to many.

“I was anxious to have the opportunity of addressing the Hurling Board delegates, if only to offer some insight into the causes for Galway’s eclipse by Waterford, and to make some suggestions as to what the next Galway manager might need to bring to the table,” says McIntyre in relation to the timing.

“Had I resigned weeks ago, it’s only reasonable to speculate that the Board would have seen little need for me to appear before the delegates in the context that I was already past tense.

“In any event, there is a mood for change out there – I’ve had three years in the position and in terms of championship glory, haven’t cracked it.”

McIntyre insists that he is departing the Galway manager’s role without a trace of bitterness. “There will be no cheap shots, recriminations or blame game. I was honoured and proud to serve Galway hurling and I wish the county the best of luck in the years ahead.

“My resignation will give the Hurling Board a few extra weeks to put procedures in place for the selection of the next Galway manager and for the perspective candidates to form an orderly queue.

“I wish to express my gratitude to my loyal and dedicated management and backroom teams who comprised of people of the highest calibre. My sincere thanks also to the players who were extremely professional in their preparations and are all decent, honourable men.”

The out-going senior manager also thanked the Hurling Board for its support, noting: “It is important to put on record my appreciation for the support of the Hurling Board officers during my term . . . I have already informed them that I won’t be seeking a fourth year in charge.

“I am a pragmatist at heart and Galway hurling would be better served with a new management possessing fresh ideas and energy to drive the senior team forward. There is some dirty work to be done, but Galway hurling is not that far away, especially after the uplifting triumphs of the minors and U-21s over recent weeks,” said McIntyre.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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