Ryan to step down as Antrim manager
Antrim v Laois - Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Qualifier Group Round 1
Ryan to step down as Antrim manager
Kevin Ryan has confirmed he will not be in charge of the Antrim senior hurlers next year, saying he will step down from both the senior and U21 positions when the Bord Gáis Energy U21 All-Ireland Hurling Championship is concluded.
Ryan has been in charge of the Saffrons' senior and U21 teams since being appointed in September 2012, and he will remain in charge for the U21 All-Ireland semi-final against Wexford on August 22, and the final on September 12, should Antrim advance.
However, in a statement issued on Monday night, the Waterford native confirmed he would be stepping down from both roles when Antrim's involvement in the competition comes to an end.
"When our interest in the U21 All-Ireland series is over, I will be resigning as Antrim senior and U21 hurling manager," he said.
"Apart from early league form and a fantastic display in championship against Laois, it has been a very poor year for Antrim senior hurling.
"I believe there is a vast amount of change needed to revitalise and improve Antrim hurling and it needs a clear pathway for the next three years or more. Starting that process in my last year may not suit my successor.
"It would leave players facing further uncertainty and maybe more change in 12 months time. In the interest of all concerned I believe the timing is right for me to resign.
"I hope announcing my intention now allows Antrim to find a suitable successor with ample time to prepare for 2016.
"I would like to thank Frankie Quinn and the board, all those who helped and supported me in the backroom team and some seriously dedicated supporters for their support in the past three years.
"In particular I would like to thank and pay tribute to the players for their continued efforts and support for both Antrim and myself. I wish them all the success their efforts deserve."
Ryan was a popular figure in the Glens but as his statement says, 2015 has not been a good year for Antrim hurling. Antrim suffered relegation to Division IIA of the league in the spring, losing to Kerry in the promotion/relegation play-off - a major blow.
The Saffrons then failed to advance past the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship Qualifying Round, losing to Westmeath and Carlow. Finishing bottom of the four-team group means Antrim will play in the Christy Ring Cup next year.
Antrim had some good days during Ryan's three-year tenure. In 2014, they topped the Leinster qualifying group, winning all four of their games before exiting the provincial championship to Wexford. Without a doubt, Ryan's best day was August 24, 2013 when the Antrim U21s stunned Wexford in the All-Ireland U21 semi-final. Antrim subsequently lost heavily in the final against Clare.