Galway hurling boss McIntyre quits

John McIntyre has decided to call time on his tenure as Galway senior hurling manager, in advance of next month's Galway Hurling Board meeting.

It brings to an end his three-year association with the Galway squad. He succeeded Ger Loughnane in November 2008 and had the honour of leading the Tribesmen into their first ever Leinster Championship.

However, despite an array of talent in the panel, particularly in attack, McIntyre's men were seen by many as having failed to fulfil their potential.

They reached three successive All-Ireland quarter-finals, but lost on each occasion to Waterford (twice) and Tipperary.

The manner of their exit from this year's Championship at the hands of Waterford was especially deflating, as was their Leinster semi-final defeat to Dublin.

However, All-Ireland successes for the county's minor and U-21 sides this year will give Galway hurling officials hope that they can turn a corner in the coming seasons.

Current U-21 boss Anthony Cunningham has already been linked with the senior job, while former Clare goalkeeper and Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald will also come into contention.

A statement from the Galway County Board confirmed McIntyre's resignation, stating: "Galway Hurling Board officers wish to announce the resignation of John McIntyre as Galway senior hurling manager.

"John's tenure as manager for next year was subject to ratification by officers of the Hurling Board, and the principal officers have been in discussion with John in recent weeks.

"We would like to extend our gratitude to John, his management team of John Moylan, John Hardiman, Joe Connolly and indeed his extended backroom team for their hard work and honest endeavours over the past three years."

The statement continued: "It is expected that a meeting of the Hurling Board will be convened early next week to agree on a process to appoint a new management team."

McIntyre, who works as sports editor of the Connacht Tribune newspaper, said that he almost stepped down in the aftermath of the 10-point quarter-final loss to Waterford.

"In my hearts of hearts, I knew the game was up for John McIntyre and this management team when we fell so disappointingly to Waterford in Thurles," he told the Connacht Tribune.

"It was a dispiriting defeat, there are no excuses, but I would say that the players did not go out to perform badly.

"I almost resigned that evening, but I was anxious to let things settle for a few weeks and take stock of the situation to ensure my original hunch was the correct one. Obviously, nothing has happened in the interim to alter that opinion.

"There is a mood for change out there - I've had three years in the position and in terms of Championship glory, haven't cracked it.

"There will be no cheap shots, recriminations or blame game. I was honoured and proud to serve Galway hurling and I wish the county the best of luck in the years ahead.

"I wish to express my gratitude to my loyal and dedicated management and backroom teams who comprised of people of the highest calibre. My sincere thanks also to the players who were extremely professional in their preparations and are all decent, honourable men."