After three years in charge of Tipperary's senior hurlers, Michael Ryan announced his departure from the role this evening. Leading the county to All-Ireland success in 2016, Ryan's previously role as a selector under Liam Sheedy and Eamon O'Shea means this departure signals the end of what almost amounts to a decade's worth of work with Tipperary.
Followed out the door by his backroom team of Declan Fanning, John Madden and Conor Stakelum, the county that failed to make their way out of the Munster championship will now be faced with a significant rebuilding job. Although it is unlikely any move will be made on filling the role Ryan has vacated in the immediate future, we have looked at some of the potential candidates Tipperary may turn to. So, who will be the next Tipperary manager?
Who will be the next Tipperary manager?
Derek McGrath
As long as Derek McGrath isn't in an inter-county management role, one suspects the Waterford's man name will be mentioned when any vacancy crops up.
Having brought Waterford to last year's All-Ireland only to lose to a rampant Galway, McGrath's recent appearances on The Sunday Game have only served to demonstrate what a fine hurling mind he has.
One thing not standing in McGrath's favour, however, is the fact that Tipperary scarcely if ever look beyond the boundaries of their own county when appointing a new manager.
Yet, if the current panel of players are in need of a drastic overhaul, such traditions may have to be compromised.
Liam Cahill
Handed the reins of Tipperary's U21s last year after leading the minors to All-Ireland success in 2016, you would feel Liam Cahill will have to be high enough up on any managerial shortlist.
Having been defeated by Cork in this year's Munster final with his U21s, Cahill & co will have the chance to redeem themselves against Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Push on and lead Tipperary to their first U21 title in eight years, and he is sure to do his chances no harm.
Liam Sheedy
Maybe something of a long shot, Liam Sheedy has been keeping himself busy since departing this same job in 2010.
Between his punditry work, working in the backroom management team with Antrim's hurlers, and operating as a selector for the University of Limerick, Sheedy may feel it is the right time for another crack at his native county.
Departing the role in the immediate aftermath of Tipperary's 2010 All-Ireland final win, he could be the man to revive the lagging fortunes of the 2018 side.
Brendan Cummins
Twice an All-Ireland winner in 2001 and 2010 with Tipperary, Brendan Cummins is one of the few from the class of '10 to have first-hand experience at inter-county level.
Working as a selector under Fintan O'Connor with Kerry, Cummins has been celebrated for his punditry and commentary with RTÉ in recent years also.
Given Tipperary's penchant for hiring former All-Ireland winners from their own county, it wouldn't be totally surprising if they opted for what is admittedly a long-shot in Cummins.
Tommy Maher
Leading Thurles Sarsfields to success in the last four consecutive county championships, Tommy Maher will be another whose name will certainly cross the minds of the Tipperary county board.
Although there are likely to be candidates higher on their list, Maher's lack of experience at inter-county level is likely to work against him.
And ... Michael 'Babs' Keating
Ok, so it is highly unlikely that the Tipperary county board will opt for Michael 'Babs' Keating again, but, it would scarcely seem like a list of potential Tipperary managers without him.
So, there you have it. Let us know your candidates, and your thoughts on who will be the next Tipperary manager?
