Travel-weary Farrell quits Down post

SEAN FARRELL has stepped down as Down senior hurling manager in the wake of the surprise Christy Ring Cup semi-final defeat to Carlow on Sunday.

The Cork native cited the amount of travelling as the reason for his decision to quit the post.

Farrell took over from John Crossey in April and kept the Ardsmen in NHL Division One after defeating Laois in a relegation decider. He was an underage hurler with the Rebels and managed club side Sarsfields, where he now expects to return.

“I said I would do the job until the end of the season,” Farrell said. “I enjoyed my time there a great deal and I would like to thank the players and backroom team, Gerard Coulter and Kevin Ball.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I am just sorry for them that they didn’t get to Croke Park.”

Down defender Gary Savage praised the departing Farrell before criticising the county board.

“Sean got on with the players and we’d have loved him to stay on — he’d great enthusiasm and always encouraged you,” said the 37-year-old. “Over the past three or four Saturdays there has been nothing organised for the youngsters, they can’t get a match. I don’t know what the county board is doing. The whole thing needs to be cleared out.”