Meath captain Damien Healy has paid tribute to Martin Ennis and his backroom team in the wake of the Athboy man's resignation as the county's senior hurling manager.

Ennis's decision to step down after three years in charge was revealed last Friday, having steered the Royal County to its first ever Christy Ring Cup success last year along with a return to top flight championship hurling for the first time in 13 years. The team also enjoyed a Kehoe Cup triumph under his direction in 2015.

This past season saw the Royals capture the Allianz Hurling League Division 2B title before defeating Kerry and losing out to Laois and Westmeath, respectively, to miss out on a berth in the Leinster championship quarter-finals on score difference. 

After learning of his intention to step down, Healy - one of four Meath representatives on last year's Christy Ring Cup selection - was fulsome in his praise of Ennis and revealed his surprise at the decision to vacate his post.

"I was disappointed and surprised to hear the news Martin had stepped down," the Royals' skipper stated.

"(The) last time I spoke with him he had new ideas to improve the team further for 2018. I'm not sure what changed since then if he stepped down for personal reasons or county board didn't back his ideas for the future. I'm not sure, but I'd like to think we are gone past that stage regards county board taking short cuts with Meath hurling.

"Regardless, I'd like to thank Martin, 'Chivers' (John Andrews), Pat Clancy and Micky McCullagh and all of the backroom team. They have all brought Meath hurling to a different level and created great memories for all players involved over the three years."

The Longwood clubman added that hurling in Meath is "still in a healthy place" and says he's confident of further progression for the small ball game in the Royal County moving forward.

"The players and Meath hurling will move on with the new management team for 2018 and the players that they call upon must meet the standards and bring the professionalism that has been set if we are to keep improving and moving in the right direction," said Healy.

"Meath hurling is still in a healthy place and the players and new management won't let it slide back down the pecking order. There will be plenty more great memories in the future."

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