The full Pat Ryan interview: 'The past, the future, the pain, the pride, the homecoming and 'absolute garbage'

In his first interview since he announced his departure as Cork hurling manager Pat Ryan emphatically rejects Cork bust-up rumours at half time in the All-Ireland final defeat to Tipperary

Pat Ryan: 'It's on to the next man now to see if he can bring back Liam MacCarthy. It's too long a time.'

BY THE END, Pat Ryan had given what he could. Recent breaks with his wife Trish and three children to Dingle and Salou recharged the batteries somewhat but ultimately he had to say “no” to the offer of another three-year term.

It had nothing to do with his health, which he reports as good – the Sarsfields man was diagnosed with leukemia in 2018. If there was anything about being asked to make changes to his management team, he is too polite to say.