Shane O'Neill's spell as Galway senior hurling manager has come to an end after the county board confirmed that the Limerick native will not seek another term.

The Na Piarsaigh man was appointed to the role for two years at the end of 2019 as a replacement for Micheal Donoghue and guided the Tribesmen to the All-Ireland semi-final during a Covid-19-hit first season in charge, only to be beaten 0-27 to 0-24 by would be champions Limerick.

Galway also enjoyed a good run in the 2021 Allianz League, finishing top of Division 1A and sharing the title with Kilkenny, but endured a disappointing championship campaign, having suffered a shock Leinster semi-final loss to Dublin before a slow start against Waterford came back to bite them as they were dumped out of the All-Ireland second round qualifiers at Semple Stadium, a defeat that would also signal the end of Joe Canning's inter-county career.

O'Neill announced his departure in a statement issued via Galway GAA this evening.

"I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the Galway county board and the hurling committee for their unwavering support throughout my tenure," O’Neill states.

"I wish to acknowledge and commend the efforts of each and every one of the members of the backroom team. You are too numerous to mention but I must especially thank our management team of John Fitzgerald, Lukasz Kirszenstein, Fergal Healy, David Forde and Colm Callanan.

"I would like to thank the players for their hard work and dedication. It was a special privilege to be involved with some of the greats of the game. I wish them every success in the future."

The Galway county board thanked O'Neill and his backroom team for all their work and dedication.

"Galway GAA would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Shane, John Fitzgerald, David Forde, Fergal Healy, Colm Callanan and the entire backroom team for their efforts over the past two season. Their commitment, dedication, and professionalism since being appointed in November 2019 has been exemplary."

Shane O'Neill will not be seeking an extension to his term as Galway Hurling Manager. All in @Galway_GAA sincerely thank Shane and his team for their work in the most difficult of circumstances over the past 2 years. Statement below: pic.twitter.com/tUhB91m3pC

— Galway GAA (@Galway_GAA) September 2, 2021

 

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