Kerry hurling manager Eamonn Kelly resigns

Kerry County Board are on the lookout for a new hurling manager following the resignation of Eamonn Kelly.

The Tipperary native cited travel and his management role with Sixmilebridge as the reasons for finishing after two years.

It was a hugely successful year for the Kingdom’s hurlers as their Christy Ring Cup victory back in June entitles them to a place in the race for Liam McCarthy next season.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner Kelly explained: “I was in there for two years and my term is up and it’s not exactly right beside me. It’s a fair trek.

“I’m involved with Sixmilebridge and they are involved at a pretty high level and take it as seriously as most county set-ups.

“The club championship is set to start in Kerry and it was going to be very difficult to do everything.

So I had to make a call now because the next person in has to look at the six clubs.

“It’s not a decision I made lightly because there was a lot of bad press about players in Kerry before I took that job and I actually saw nothing only the flipside of that.

“Lads who were fantastic to work with and were an absolute dream. I had a fantastic time there. It was a case of having to balance the books.”

“The players are still there and whoever gets them will be very fortunate. They really applied themselves as professionals and I’m sure they will continue to do that.

“Maybe there is somebody there who can take them to the next level. I have no bad feeling.”