Farrell steps down as Meath hurling boss

Meath senior hurling manager Cillian Farrell has left his position following the Royals' Christy Ring Cup semi-final replay defeat by Down at Ballycran yesterday.

Farrell's charges suffered a heavy 0-23 to 1-10 loss against the Mourne men. They were still in the hunt at half-time, trailing 0-12 to 1-6, but second half red cards for defenders Cormac Reilly and Sean Heavey left the visitors with little chance.

Farrell, the former Offaly dual player and 1998 All-Ireland SHC winner, confirmed afterwards that he would be stepping down from the Meath role after being at the helm since October 2010.

"I was initially appointed for two years and the lads had asked me to stay on for a third, but I have been under pressure this year," explained the Edenderry man.

"My father died last year so I am back at home looking after things there. I just told the lads inside (in the dressing room) that that is it for me.

"I have enjoyed it thoroughly, I had a great group of lads to work with, but I'm back in college part-time and I'm under pressure and I think maybe it's time for a fresh voice as well for the lads."

Farrell's final season with Meath saw them win all five of their Allianz Hurling League matches to finish as table toppers, but they lost the Division 2B final in mid-April to London who secured the only promotion place in the process.

The Royals beat Armagh and Kildare in the opening rounds of the Christy Ring Cup, with key free-taker Steven Clynch scoring 0-11 in a thrilling extra-time victory over Kildare in Newbridge.

The Kilmessan clubman finished with 0-15 in their drawn semi-final against Down but a groin injury troubled him in the build-up to yesterday's clash, and the Ulster side took advantage with Clynch only scoring 0-5.