Cork manager Kieran Kingston has stepped down as Cork hurling manager.
It was a successful year for Cork after capturing a Munster title but ultimately bowed out at the semi-final stage to Waterford in an enthralling encounter,
In a statement from Cork GAA they said:
“Cork Senior Hurling manager Kieran Kingston this morning informed County Board Chairman Gerard Lane of his decision not to accept the offer of a second term.
“Kieran had met with the Chairman last week to review 2017 and was offered a further two year term. Taking time to consider this offer over the last week, Kieran informed the Chairman of his decision to step down as Senior Hurling manager earlier today.
“A former All Ireland medal winner, Kingston has been involved with the Cork Senior hurlers for five of the last six years. In 2012 and 2013 he served as a selector with Jimmy Barry Murphy, taking on the role of coach in 2014. He opted out in 2015 but following Jimmy Barry Murphy’s departure returned as manager for the last two years.“
Cork County GAA Chairman Gerard Lane also commented on the departure:
“It’s a huge disappointment to see Kieran leave this position after such huge progress during the two years of his management. The performances of the team throughout the League and Championship were a direct result of Kieran’s input and he has left Cork hurling in a very good place.”
“Our board had an outstanding relationship with Kieran and his backroom team and we are very sorry to see his departure,” Lane continued. “Many new players got the opportunity to develop under his management and proved their worth in Championship 2017 only going down to Waterford in the All Ireland Semi Final.
“Kieran has laid a very solid foundation and left the team in a very good position and on behalf of all in Cork GAA, I wish to sincerely thank him for his wonderful contribution to Cork hurling. I would hope Kieran will stay involved in some capacity with Cork but I fully understand the demands on an inter-county manager and I wish him the very best for the future.”
And a couple fans have already taken to Twitter far from delighted with Kingston’s departure.
I just hope the structure of play and bravery Kieran Kingston showed picking youth continues in the new set up #CorkHurling #CorkGAA
— Kevin Roche (@K_Ro_89) September 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/Lauren_Murp/status/911628067558305792
#KieranKingston Questions have to be asked as to why this has happened
— David Walsh (@Glocca) September 23, 2017
Very surprising to hear Kieran Kingston stepping down.. had built a very good panel & had potential for more success next year https://t.co/4bwQePZFor
— Stephen Burke (@burke_s) September 23, 2017
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