O’Sullivan steps down as Limerick manager

Mickey Ned O'Sullivan has ended his managerial involvement with the Limerick senior footballers, it has been confirmed tonight.

O'Sullivan's departure after five years in charge comes in the wake of Limerick's All-Ireland fourth round qualifier loss to Cork last month.

A former All-Ireland winner with Kerry, O'Sullivan signalled his intention to step down this evening in a phone call to Limerick Football Board secretary Sean McAuliffe.

Meanwhile, all of O'Sullivan's backroom team have also resigned their roles, including Donie Buckley.

It is expected that Buckley may replace Eamon Fitzmaurice as a selector with his native Kerry.

Fitzmaurice quit the current Kingdom set-up in the aftermath of their All-Ireland quarter-final exit to Down.

O'Sullivan took over the Limerick job in October 2005, succeeding Liam Kearns.

The Shannonsiders reached two Munster SFC finals under O'Sullivan's stewardship, but failed to end their wait for a first senior provincial title since 1896.

They lost out to both Kerry and Cork in the last two Munster deciders.