Pat Ryan steps down from role as Cork hurling manager

Eva Osborne

Pat Ryan has confirmed he is stepping down as manager of the Cork senior hurlers.

The 49-year-old guided the Rebels to this year's Munster title, as well as the last two All-Ireland finals, in an impressive three-year term.

In a statement on his club Sarsfields' social media, Ryan revealed he had been offered a new term in charge by the Cork county board on Friday, but turned it down.

"The last 3 years has been a pleasure to be part of a wonderful journey with the Cork Senior Hurling Team," Ryan wrote.

"I was humbled on Friday to be asked by Cork GAA to lead the group again for a new term but after consultation with my family I feel now it is best for me to seek a different challenge after 5 years of managing Cork teams.

"In this 5 years the support I have received from a wonderful loyal & trust worthy management and backroom team has made my job very easy.

"To Wayne, Donal, Brendan, Fergal and our wonderful coach Donal O’ Rourke thank you for all your hardwork on behalf of Cork GAA. To the rest of the backroom team a great word of thanks to everyone but to Ian, Dave, Declan & Tomás thanks for your unwavering friendship and counsel."

Ryan said there have been "plenty of highs and plenty of lows" but that they joy Cork hurling brought him is "amazing".

"The greatest gift as a manager is having a team of players dedicated to sacrificing themselves for the jersey and I had that in abundance - success isn’t linear but I know that with the character of players we have and the talent that is coming over the next few years through the hard work of our clubs that the long absence of Liam McCarthy from Leeside will not last much longer.

"To Rob and Sean thanks for captaining our team over the 3 years with outstanding leadership and performances. I would like to thank all the chairpersons I have worked under the past 5 years Tracey Kennedy, Mark Sheehan and most recently Pat Horgan for showing faith in me.

"Kevin O’ Donovan Cork CEO and Daniel Lane Cork GAA have been great supporters and no request or ask was ever an issue in the strive for excellence for the cork hurlers.

"To my club Sarsfields thank you for the wonderful support over the last few years and I look forward to being back in what ever capacity needed in Teddy McCarthy Park.

"2025 has been an especially emotional and devastating year for me and my whole family but the support we have received after our beloved Ray’s passing from the wider GAA family and especially the Cork public has been very inspiring."