Dorney quits as Kildare hurling boss

Ben Dorney has resigned as manager of the Kildare senior hurlers, citing personal reasons for his departure.

Dorney, who hails from Ballyhea in Cork, confirmed his decision to quit at a meeting with the Kildare Hurling Board last night. He was in charge of the Lilywhites for two years, with the highlight being a first ever Christy Ring Cup final appearance earlier this month.

Kildare Hurling Board chairman Jody Murphy wished Dorney, a school teacher by profession, well into the future and thanked him for "his immense contribution" to hurling in the county.

Murphy added that the success of the team during Dorney's watch had: "created a real buzz around hurling in the county and had significantly raised the profile of the game which would serve as a positive influence on young hurlers into the future."

The 42-year-old Dorney thanked the Board, his selector and players and insisted that Kildare hurling was "moving in the right direction" and that "the nucleus of the current team would continue to challenge for honours" over the next few years.