Down hurling manager Farrell resigns

In the wake of their disappointing Christy Ring Cup exit, Sean Farrell has stepped down as manager of the Down senior hurling team.

Farrell, who took over when Belfast man John Crossey quit in April, watched his charges fall to Carlow, losing 2-19 to 5-8, in their semi-final clash on Saturday.

A heavy schedule of travelling for the Corkman - a member of the Sarsfield club - was understood to be the main reason behind his resignation.

His biggest achievement with the Mourne men, after assuming temporary control in the spring, was keeping them up in Division One of the National League.

Down beat Laois 2-16 to 0-19 in the relegation final to maintain their top flight status.

"I said I would do the job until the end of the season," Farrell admitted.

"I enjoyed my time with Down a great deal and I would like to thank the players and backroom team, Gerard Coulter and Kevin Ball.

"They were brilliant and I couldn't have asked for anything more," he told the Irish News.

"I am just sorry for them that they didn't get to Croke Park."

The Down side lost last year's Christy Ring Cup final to Westmeath, and not even a contribution of 4-6 from star man Paul Braniff could see them past Carlow at the weekend.