Committee appointed to replace Murphy as hurling boss

WICKLOW hurling boss Seamus Murphy has stepped down from his role citing illness and the need for fresh impetus within the county squad as reasons for his departure.

Wicklow GAA have appointed a committee in the wake of his resignation to source a new hurling boss with their first meeting expected to be this week.

The committee is chaired by Alan Smullen of the St Pat’s club and current county treasurer. He will be joined by Glenealy’s Jonathan O’Neill Snr, Carnew’s Don Hyland, Dunlavin’s Michael Moran, former Wicklow hurling manager John Mitchell, Wicklow hurling officer Sean Hayes and a players’ representative yet to be announced.

Two Kehoe Cup finals, a national league final and two Christy Ring semi-finals were the destinations the former Glenealy manager took the Garden County team to during his tenure. Murphy feels that if no success has been achieved within two years then it is best for a management team to step down and move on.

In a statement released by the Wexford native he claimed that his decision to step down will benefit Wicklow hurling by giving fringe players and older players something to drive for under new management.

‘During the past few weeks I would have been giving this position a lot of thought and consideration, particularly as I have a health issue which needs to be cared for in the weeks and months ahead and, secondly, I feel that now is the right time for Wicklow hurling to benefit going forward.

‘I’ve always been a firm believer from my experience being involved with teams over the years that when there is no silverware for the trophy cabinet achieved within two years it’s best to step down and move on, even though it might be somewhat different at underage.

Full statement inside.