Mícheál Donoghue celebrates after the 2017 All Ireland SHC Final at Croke Park.
By Cian O'Connell
Mícheál Donoghue has stepped down as manager of the Galway senior hurling team.
Donoghue guided Galway to All Ireland glory in 2017, defeating Waterford in the decider at Croke Park.
Galway returned to the final in 2018, but lost narrowly to Limerick at GAA headquarters.
In 2019 an injury ravaged Galway were knocked out of the Leinster Championship on scoring difference following a loss to Dublin at Parnell Park.
The Clarinbridge clubman along with selectors Noel Larkin and Francis Forde all made a significant mark with Galway.
“I, together with the Galway Senior Hurling Management team, informed the Galway County Board that we are not taking up the fifth year of our term," Donoghue said in a statement to Galway Bay FM on Tuesday evening.
"We would like to thank Galway GAA for the opportunity they gave us to lead Galway Hurling - it was the opportunity of a lifetime and was both an honour and privilege to do.
Mícheál Donoghue with the Liam MacCarthy Cup.
"We started out in December 2015 with the simple goal to bring success back to Galway hurling and to build a culture of professionalism and consistency in performance. Since then we have had some amazing days most notably the 2017 All Ireland success. "After four seasons we feel the time is now right to hand on the opportunity to a new management team."
Donoghue praised the manner in which the Galway panel performed during his tenure.
"We would like to thank the players for their honesty, dedication and commitment to their sport and county," Donoghue added.
"We would like to acknowledge and thank our background team and support staff who worked with us for their expertise and service to the Galway senior hurling team.
"To our families and our employers - thank you for being so understanding and supportive of the time commitment a job like this takes. To our main sponsor Supermacs and the many other sponsors who give so willingly their support - thank you, it is greatly appreciated.
"Finally, we thank the Galway hurling clubs and the Galway hurling supporters - your passion, commitment and connection with this team have made doing this job a joy.
"For us all, Galway hurling will continue to play a huge part in our hearts and lives and we wish Galway GAA every success in the future."
