Ryan O’Dwyer believes Pat Gilroy’s shock departure is a blow to Dublin hurling.

The 2011 All-Ireland SFC winning manager took over the Dubs hurling helm last October, having agreed a three-year deal, but announced his resignation over the weekend due to an unforeseen workload abroad.

“There was a lot of change throughout the league and a lot of progression but as soon as it was over, everything picked up. He was finding his feet and really seeing what was around him with regards to players,” O’Dwyer, who retired from intercounty hurling in July, told The Irish Independent.

“He developed as the year went on and the game-plans progressed. It was clear he was getting comfortable in the hurling role and you could have really seen the rewards of that next year, so it is a setback.

“Everyone bought into him. I honestly think it was a mixture of fear and respect. You respected what he has achieved both as a player and manager and professionally but there was also an aura about him.”

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