After almost four years in charge of the Dublin senior hurling team, Mattie Kenny has resigned as manager. It comes after a disappointing championship campaign where the Dubs failed to qualify for the All-Ireland series after finishing fourth in the Leinster SHC group stage. Dublin GAA released a statement this afternoon, where Kenny said it was a "great privelege and honour" to work as manager of the county.
Mattie Kenny said in the statement :
"I have informed the Dublin County Board that I will not be seeking another term as senior hurling manager.
"Managing the Dublin senior hurling team for the last four years has been a great privilege and honour for me.
"We worked tirelessly in the effort to bring success to the county and our passionate band of Dublin supporters.
"I would like to express my sincerest gratitude and thank the Dublin County Board, the management committee and great staff and stewards in Parnell Park for their unwavering support for me and my management team and players during our tenure.
"I want to acknowledge and thank every member of my management team and backroom team for the massive contribution and commitment you have given to the preparation of the team during this period.
Kenny went on to thank the Dublin GAA fans for their continued support and his extended panel.
"I would like to thank our loyal supporters and “The Friends of Dublin Hurling” for your massive support for the team, both in Parnell Park and at our away games all around the country.
"Finally, a special thank you to a fantastic group of players. The respect and togetherness within our group made it a joy to work with you every day during my term as manager, and while we didn’t achieve the targets we set out for ourselves, I fully believe the success you deserve will arrive in the coming seasons.
"Again, thanks and the best of luck to everyone involved with Dublin hurling."
STATEMENT: Mattie Kenny steps down as Dublin Senior Hurling manager
➡️ https://t.co/epArbxgrij#UpTheDubs pic.twitter.com/W32dKg5akX— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) July 6, 2022
The former Cuala manager lead Dublin to the summit of the Division 1B league title during his debut season with the county. After qualifying for the knockout stages, they were beaten narrowly by Limerick.
GAA: Dublin County Chairman on Mattie Kenny
Dublin County Committee Chairman Mick Seavers paid tribute to Mattie Kenny in a statement released by Dublin GAA today.
"Mattie has made an enormous contribution to Dublin GAA winning two All-Ireland senior club hurling titles with Cuala.
"In his time in charge of the senior hurling team we had some memorable wins and a first Leinster final appearance in seven years in 2021.
"I regret his departure but appreciate the huge sacrifices he has made over the last four years for Dublin GAA.
"The committee will commence the process of considering suitable candidates to replace Mattie and his management team shortly."
Dublin GAA will likely have a host of contenders who will be eager to take up the vacant manager role. Dublin hurling has very high potential, and should the right man be selected for the job, more success could soon follow. Davy Fitzgerald will inevitably be linked to the role, as he is with every high-profile managerial vacancy.
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