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Sheedy after Tipp's all-Ireland win ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Resignation

Liam Sheedy says his job “just wasn’t sustainable”

All-Ireland winning Tipp manager at last speaks after resignation, saying that 9 years of management have “taken their toll”.

FORMER TIPPERARY MANAGER Liam Sheedy has spoken for the first time of the reasons behind his resignation, saying that the job of county manager “just isn’t sustainable” alongside a  full-time job.

Sheedy, along with two of his backroom staff, walked away from the Tipp management after the Portroe man got a promotion in his job at a bank.

“It does take an awful lot of commitment” said the manager who guided Tipp to the Liam McCarthy just one month ago. “We’re all very busy in our day jobs [and] the 16 hour days [as a GAA manager]… it just isn’t sustainable.”

Speaking on RTE’s Weekend Sport programme, Sheedy said “it’s literally a full time job because what you’re trying to instil is a full-time approach in an amateur game. It does take its toll over time.”

Sheedy was involved with coaching the county for nine years, with three of those spent as manager of the senior team. “Three years is a long time” said Sheedy before stating that his resignation had nothing to do with the alleged disquiet in the Tipp camp. “It’s just the commitment and the time involved. Seven of the last 9 years involved with coaching, it’s been a really hectic time.

“You’ve got to be able to give 100 per cent and if theres a risk that [you can't give your all] then you have to consider you position. This decision didn’t come easy.”

On those rumours of bust-ups in the Tipp camp after their all-Ireland win, Sheedy was dismissive, calling them “hugely disappointing”

“We were very much a unit that worked together. But you can’t control [the rumours]. Overall there’s a huge air of gratitude in the public though.”

Asked whether he believes GAA managers should be paid, Sheedy still said he would prefer management stayed amateur. “I wouldnt even go down that road. The success and relationship and enjoyment which I have built up over the last few years… is priceless.”