Backroom quality key for Tipp’s Ryan

THE mark of a strong leader is to surround himself with strong people. Ego doesn’t enter the equation. Fawning yes men are dismissed. Discussion is encouraged.

In senior hurling manager Declan Ryan, Tipperary has one such leader. Last year, to great acclaim at the manner of their play, Tipperary won a magnificent All-Ireland final and in the process denied Kilkenny what would have been a record-setting five in a row. Manager Liam Sheedy subsequently ended his tenure but the new man faced a difficult situation. He was taking over a side who must surely have had their cutting-edge blunted to some extent. He had to get to know them within months while simultaneously imposing his own mark on them. And, more importantly than anything else, he had to win.

“It was a huge opportunity for whoever took on the role and a huge challenge at the same time,” Ryan said.