Sheedy bids 'emotional' farewell
Tuesday October 12 2010
FORMER Tipperary hurling manager Liam Sheedy said a poignant farewell to his All-Ireland champions at Semple Stadium on Sunday evening.
The 2010 panel, management and back-room staff convened for an official photograph to commemorate their All-Ireland success.
Sheedy admitted that having the squad together en masse for the last time was an "emotional occasion" and backed the players to claim further silverware in the next few seasons.
Sheedy, speaking on 'Tipp FM' last night, said: "We got together last night and it was an emotional occasion.
"It's always tough to move to one side, you want the journey to go on forever, but we have to do what's right for ourselves, our family and for Tipperary."
Sheedy, who shocked the hurling world last week when he resigned along with coach Eamon O'Shea and selector Michael Ryan, added: "We had a wonderful three years.
"It is a pastime but it's a full-time job when you instil a professional approach in an amateur game. It does take its toll. I'm fortunate to have a really good day job with Bank of Ireland on a national level and it all takes time.
"It's one of the toughest decisions I've never had to make. We're leaving with great memories and huge friendships have been moulded."
Sheedy, who also managed the county's minor and intermediate teams during the past decade, added: "The players rose to the challenge and what a bunch. They went into battle 36 times over the three years in competitive fare and lost just seven.
"They deserve all the credit. They have been huge ambassadors for this county over the last few years and thankfully, reaped good success.
"There's a great mix of youth and experience and the future is bright."
Elsewhere, Wicklow GAA officials are again expected to be poring over the contents of a referee's report after violence erupted at the end of last weekend's minor final.
Greystones beat Rathnew by 0-10 to 1-4, the second successive year they had beaten them in the minor final.
But when a spectator, understood to have links with Rathnew, climbed the perimeter fence to confront some of the Greystones players, trouble flared.
Greystones players were believed to be shaken by the incident and some suffered minor bruising.
But there was praise for the Rathnew officials, who managed to restore order.
- Colm Keys
Irish Independent
