TJ Ryan likely to step away after All Ireland exit

TJ Ryan’s reign as Limerick hurling manager looks to be at an end following his side’s loss to Clare in the All Ireland Qualifiers in Thurles on Saturday evening.

While Ryan stopped short of officially stepping down, his comments after the game would suggest that he’s about to walk away. Ryan has overseen three championship campaigns but does have one year left in the three-year term he was handed after the 2014 All Ireland semi-final loss to Kilkenny. That deal is subject to a review at the end of each season but it’s unlikely that the Garryspillane man will put his name forward for 2017.

“Without making anything formal, I’ve taken it as far as I could,” Ryan said to reporters after the game. “I’ve given it absolutely everything. I genuinely have. I will look back and have thoroughly enjoyed it.

“I am very grateful for the people who gave me the opportunity, I’ve nothing but pride in the guys who played for me and the guys who worked with me.

“With the time involved maybe they could do with a new voice.

“I’ll sleep on it but over the next day or two and make a formal decision.

“But, as I said to you, what I have given three years time wise, it just wasn’t good enough.

“In life, looking back, most of the regrets people have is for the thing they didn’t do. I had a go.”