Cregan confirms shock Limerick departure

Limerick senior hurling manager Eamon Cregan has confirmed his resignation.

The resignation comes as a shock, as the Limerick hurlers are virtually assured of a league semi-final place, with wins over Offaly, Tipperary and Wexford under their belts, and only Derry to play.

Cregan sent a letter of resignation to the Limerick County Board, who received it today.

It is believed the resignation centres on a difference of opinions with regard to dual players.

Stephen Lucey and Conor Fitzgerald have both expressed interest in playing both codes - Lucey lined out for the footballers on Saturday against Louth, and then for the hurlers on Sunday against Wexford.

The county board believes the decision to play both should be up to the player. However, Cregan has made his views well-known on the subject. He believes a player cannot do justice by playing both on successive occasions.

Cregan has managed Limerick since 1997 following the departure of Tom Ryan - and despite three consecutive first-round exits - Limerick made it to the Munster final last year where they were beaten narrowly by eventual All-Ireland winners Tipperary.

Cregan managed Offaly to an All-Ireland in 1994 - ironically - they beat Limerick in the final.