Tipp board give backing to under-pressure Ryan

EMBATTLED Tipperary manager Michael Ryan has been given the full support of his county board, despite the Premier hurlers making their earliest Championship exit in 20 years. Tipp failed to win a single game in this year’s Munster round-robin format and their dramatic defeat by Clare in Thurles last weekend confirmed their exit. Pressure increased on Ryan after the disastrous provincial campaign, with West Tipp board chairman John O’Shea leading the calls for the manager to step aside. However, the county board broke their silence yesterday, issuing a statement in support of Ryan (right) and his backroom team. ‘The management committee of Tipperary GAA County Board wishes to reiterate that, following Tipperary’s exit from this year’s senior hurling championship, the position of the Tipperary management team is not the subject of any discussion or change,’ the statement read. ‘The management team was appointed last September for a three-year term and have the full backing and support of the county management committee. ‘Comments made by any individuals, contrary to the above, do not represent the views of the county management committee and are therefore not to be associated with the committee or county board officers in any way. There will be no further comment in relation to this.’ Ryan assumed the role of manager in the winter of 2015, having previously worked as a selector for Liam Sheedy and as assistant manager to Eamon O’Shea. He led Tipp to All-Ireland glory in his first season.