Ger Cunningham confirms departure as Dublin manager

Ger Cunningham has confirmed that he has stepped down as manager of the Dublin senior hurlers.

After three years at the helm, the Cork native says his departure was the result of a mutual decision with the county board. He thanked his players and responded to criticism of his tenure by saying that, all decisions he made were in the best interests of Dublin hurling.

During his time in charge a number of the county's leading players such as Danny Sutcliffe and Mark Schutte withdrew from the panel.

Dublin exited this year’s championship after a 6-26 to 1-19 defeat against Tipperary in Thurles earlier this month.

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Dublin GAA released the following statement on Saturday;

“Following on from recent discussions with the Dublin County Board, I wish to confirm that we have agreed by mutual consent not to extend my role as manager of the Dublin senior hurling team beyond 2017,” Cunningham said.

“It has been an honour and indeed a privilege to manage the team and as I leave I have nothing but admiration for the squad of players who have represented Dublin with pride and passion. I want to thank them for their commitment both on and off the field.

“I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of my backroom teams over the last three years for their time and dedication to Dublin hurling. Their professionalism and counsel throughout our time together has been invaluable.

"I would like to thank the wider Dublin County Board, in particular Seán Shanley and John Costello, for giving me the opportunity. It's also important to acknowledge the role of the late Andy Kettle, who was Chairman when I was appointed.

“There has been a lot of speculation about different aspects of Dublin hurling over the last few months. For the record every decision that my backroom team and I made was always in the best interests of Dublin senior hurling.

“Furthermore, Dublin hurling supporters should be in no doubt that this group of players have massive desire to represent Dublin and possess huge dedication and commitment to their county.

“As I leave the position I would like to wish my successor the very best for the future.”

County Board Chairman Seán Shanley added to the statement by saying; “Ger has given valuable inter-county experience to many of our young players over the past three years.

“The committee will commence the process of considering suitable candidates to replace Ger and his management team in September.”