ANTHONY CUNNINGHAM HAS stepped down as Galway senior hurling team manager ahead of a county board meeting this evening.
And the St Thomas’ man believes “that the players are misguided” for not taking the “views of their county on board.”
Cunningham released a hard-hitting statement tonight after he was ousted by player power.
Cunningham’s position was left as virtually untenable following a failed mediation process, before it emerged that 26 of the current panel voted no at a players’ meeting last night when asked ‘do you have confidence in the current management?’
In the statement issued by Cunningham, he expressed “great sadness” and insisted that “despite extensive attempts at genuine dialogue including independent arbitration, there were no reasonable explanations offered or given as to the issues the players felt they had.”
The statement adds: “They, through their actions, have shown scant respect for, and loyalty to, the goodwill shown to them by supporters, clubs and county GAA committees and management.
“I consider this a kangaroo court decision, led by a core group of players orchestrated with the help of others outside Galway, motivated by a desire to unjustly extend their lifespan as intercounty players, placing personal agendas above the greater good of Galway hurling.”
Here’s the full statement issued by Cunningham:
Speaking to RTÉ’s Marty Morrissey, Cunningham added:
“I’m extremely gutted, disappointed really. The mind boggles, really. Just a few short weeks ago we were within half an hour of winning an All-Ireland final, our second All-Ireland since 2012. It’s heartbreaking really and I don’t know where this has come out of and being very genuine to the Galway supporters who have had had a tremendous year with us, I’m very disappointed for them also.“For the best for Galway hurling, really, myself and my management team took a decision this afternoon for the best interests for all parties. We couldn’t get a resolution and there weren’t any issues on the table for us. It’s best that I stand aside and clear the pathway for success for Galway in the future.”
Cunningham spent four seasons in charge of the Galway senior hurlers – guiding them to All-Ireland final appearances in 2012 and 2015.
