Pat Ryan reveals the most frustrating part of GAA management – and it’s not what you might expect

Ryan left his role as Cork manager last weekend

It’s not to do with pay, social media or dealing with the media, but a specific rule.

Ryan left Cork hurling last weekend after three years at the club, following defeats in the 2024 and 2025 All-Ireland final.

Asked by RedFM’s Ger McCarthy what the most annoying aspect of being a Bainisteoir is, Ryan said it was the lack of ability to get instructions onto the field for players. 

“If I was to say what is the what is the most frustrating thing about being the county manager, it’s that you can't get messages on to the players.

“That's not making excuses for the All Ireland final in 2025, when I say we should have done this and should have done that.

“I think we’re the only sport in the world where you're not allowed to actually get a physical message onto the team and then change the shape or change this or change that.

“You're nearly trying to do it by hook or by crook, and to be honest, that was probably something that we always struggled with over the last three year.

“It's a frustrating thing because you end up kind of arguing with officials and umpires and their linesmen, and they're only trying to follow a rule that has been brought in.”

Why can't managers get messages on?

Ryan and his management team came under criticism for not changing their tactics in the second-half collapse against Tipperary in this year’s All-Ireland final.

GAA managers cannot directly send messages to players on the field because the role of the ‘Maor Foirne’ (on-field messenger) has been abolished under GAA rules. 

Some managers use medical personnel or water boys to relay messages, although this is not standard practice.