‘An honour’: Ger Cunningham has stepped down as Dublin manager
In October 2014, Ger Cunningham was named the new Dublin hurling manager, and now less than three years later, the Corkman has confirmed his time with the team has come to an end.
In a statement which was posted on Dublin GAA.ie, the 55-year-old confirmed rumours which circulated in recent weeks regarding the liklihood he would continue as manager for the Dublin senior team.
"Following on from recent discussions with the Dublin County Board, I wish to confirm that we have agreed by mutual consent not to extend my role as manager of the Dublin senior hurling team beyond 2017," began the statement.
"It has been an honour and indeed a privilege to manage the team and as I leave I have nothing but admiration for the squad of players who have represented Dublin with pride and passion. I want to thank them for their commitment both on and off the field."
"I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of my backroom teams over the last three years for their time and dedication to Dublin hurling. Their professionalism and counsel throughout our time together has been invaluable."
Dublin GAA News: Statement: Ger Cunningham https://t.co/MyHacBeVXQ pic.twitter.com/VZk5sIpjR2
— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) July 22, 2017
"I would like to thank the wider Dublin County Board, in particular Seán Shanley and John Costello, for giving me the opportunity. It's also important to acknowledge the role of the late Andy Kettle, who was Chairman when I was appointed."
Hoping to clarify his position amid recent dicussion, he continued: "There has been a lot of speculation about different aspects of Dublin hurling over the last few months. For the record every decision that my backroom team and I made was always in the best interests of Dublin senior hurling."
"Furthermore, Dublin hurling supporters should be in no doubt that this group of players have massive desire to represent Dublin and possess huge dedication and commitment to their county."
With a nod to the future of the team and his replacement, he finished by writing: "As I leave the position I would like to wish my successor the very best for the future."
