Galway hurling board chairman Miko Ryan told last night's annual convention that Ger Loughnane was sacked as manager because he had made no progress during his two years at the helm. Ryan, who was re-elected for a 14th year unopposed, said it was the democratic decision of the board to seek a change of management. Outlining some of the failures during the year, Ryan said: "We went undefeated in five group matches in the league, beating Clare, Laois and Limerick but the two drawn matches were disappointing. "Fourteen-man Tipperary shared the spoils in Pearse Stadium while Galway managed 18 scores to Offaly's 12 but failed to come away with a win at Tullamore. "In the championship, big wins over Antrim and Laois were no preparation for a game with Cork who advanced with a committed second half performance after their goalkeeper was sent off. "No progress was made by the senior team in the past two years and the democratic decision of the hurling board was to look for a new manager." Ryan went on to thank Loughnane and his selectors for their efforts and wished new manager John McIntyre all the best in 2009. "He has wisely made no promises, but I know he will leave no stone unturned in his efforts to put Galway hurling back on a winning road. He will have my full support in that," he added. Tweet

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