Tipp physical coach quits

TIPPERARY are on the lookout for a new physical coach following Cian O’Neill’s decision to step down from his backroom position after four seasons with the county.

The Kildare native, a physical education and sports science lecturer at University of Limerick, came on board with former boss Liam Sheedy in 2009 and played a major role in last season’s All-Ireland success. The news comes as a blow to Tipperary following their All-Ireland final defeat to Kilkenny earlier this month.

A statement from the Tipperary board yesterday read: “It has been mutually agreed by Declan Ryan, Tipperary senior hurling manager, and Dr Cian O’Neill that Cian will step down as physical trainer of the Tipperary senior hurling team.

“After four extremely successful years as trainer with Tipperary, Cian wishes to pursue new challenges.

“Declan Ryan, his management team, and Tipperary County Board wish to thank Cian for his outstanding service to our senior squads over the past four years and wish him well in the future.

“Cian made a very significant contribution to the Tipperary senior hurlers over those years and played a very important part in the team’s successes since 2008, including our 2010 All-Ireland victory, three Munster senior hurling titles and one National League title.”

When Sheedy left last October along with his selectors Eamonn O’Shea and Michael Ryan, Tipperary officials were keen to retain the backroom team of which O’Neill was regarded as a vital ingredient.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner earlier this year, former Tipperary player Declan Fanning sung O’Neill’s praises. “He wouldn’t be out of place working at Anfield or Old Trafford. He’s that good.”