Michael Ryan on the end of his Waterford term: ‘I’m still meeting people giving out about that decision’

In this extract from Michael Ryan's new book, The Road from Ballymac, he recalls the controversial end to his term as Waterford hurling manager in 2013 and the ‘greatest day of his sporting life’, the 1998 ladies football final win

SOMETHING TO OFFER: Waterford hurlers John Mullane, left, and Shane O’Sullivan with manager Michael Ryan. It was a very difficult decision for Ryan to step down from the Déise job: ‘I was just so disappointed. And, the next thing, the phone starts ringing. Right, left and centre. People giving out, people complaining...’ Picture: Stephen McCarthy

Michael Ryan has guided 32 ladies football teams to All-Ireland glory, beginning with his own beloved Ballymacarbry and Waterford. He managed Laois and Dublin too before he turned his attention to the men’s game, leading the Waterford and Westmeath hurling teams. In this extract from his new book, The Road from Ballymac, Ryan recalls the controversial end to his term as Waterford hurling manager in 2013 and the ‘greatest day of his sporting life’, the 1998 ladies football final win.

August 7, 2013