Pat Ryan has stepped down as Cork hurling manager after three years. In two of those years, he led the county to the All-Ireland final, losing narrowly to Clare in 2024 and being well beaten this year by Tipperary. This season saw Cork also regain the league title for the first time in 27 years and Munster for the first time in seven.
The nature of the All-Ireland defeat created uncertainty as to whether he would stay on but in a statement issued on Saturday, Ryan said that he had been asked to continue by the county but after five years – he had previously been in charge of the under-20s – managing Cork teams, he felt it best to take a break.
His tenure has been well regarded in that he restored the county to the front rank of intercounty competition and in so doing, rebuilt the enthusiasm of Cork’s vast supporter base, which ensured sell-out matches all through the championship.
In particular, the rivalry with former All-Ireland champions Limerick created huge excitement both in their Munster meetings, including last June’s dramatic provincial final, and last year’s All-Ireland semi-final.
READ MORE
The process of finding a replacement will now commence. Ben O’Connor, who led the Cork under-20s to the All-Ireland title in 2023, is likely to be the front runner.
Statement From Pat Ryan:
“The last three years has been a pleasure to be part of a wonderful journey with the Cork senior hurling team
“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 five years of managing Cork teams.
“In this five years, the support I have received from a wonderful loyal and trustworthy management and backroom team has made my job very easy.
“To Wayne [Sherlock], Donal [O’Mahony], Brendan [Coleman], Fergal [Condon] and our wonderful coach Donal O’ Rourke thank you for all your hard work on behalf of Cork GAA.
“To the rest of the backroom team a great word of thanks to everyone but to Ian [Jones], Dave [Nolan], Declan [Fitzgerald] and Tomás [Manning] thanks for your unwavering friendship and counsel.
“There has been plenty of highs and plenty of lows but the joy that Cork hurling brings to your life 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 MacCarthy from Leeside will not last much longer.
“To Rob [Downey] and Seán [O’Donoghue], thanks for captaining our team over the three years with outstanding leadership and performances.”
Cork GAA statement:
Cork GAA wishes to sincerely thank Pat Ryan for his outstanding contribution as Cork senior hurling manager over the past three years, following his decision not to accept an additional term, further to yesterday’s review meeting with board officers.
During his term as manager, Munster and National League titles were secured in 2025, as well as two consecutive All-Ireland final appearances in 2024 and 2025. Of course, this followed a successful period as U20 manager when two Munster and All Ireland doubles were won in 2020 and 2021 under Pat’s leadership. All of this was preceded by multiple successes as coach and player across club, school and county level.
However, Pat’s tenure cannot be measured by trophies alone, as he brought a spirit and flair to the side’s play that captivated the masses across a rollercoaster three-year period. All of this was achieved while Pat faced significant personal challenges with his customary courage and dignity.
The major contribution of his fellow management team members, backroom team members, and players, across this period, is also gratefully acknowledged, as no stone was left unturned in pursuit of success.
Cork GAA expresses its sincere appreciation to Pat’s family, who supported him as he devoted so much time, energy and passion to the cause. Thank you to Tricia, Daniel, Aisling and Cian, and to his extended family, for sharing him with the wider Cork GAA family.
Cork GAA chairperson Pat Horgan said: “Pat’s legacy as a wonderful volunteer across his managing, coaching and playing career is an example to all members. We remain certain that he will continue to make a major contribution in this regard.”
Cork GAA secretary/CEO Kevin O’Donovan said: “No one will forget the iconic moments which highlighted Pat’s period in charge, with all generations inspired to take to the fields of Munster and beyond. This legacy will, no doubt, endure long into the future.”
