Micheál Donoghue parts ways Dublin hurlers after two years

Peter Branigan Peter Branigan | 08-09 08:15

Micheál Donoghue has stepped down as the Dublin hurling manager after two years in charge in the capital.

Donoghue, who guided his native Galway to their only All-Ireland this century in 2017, took over in late 2022 on a three-year term, but elected not to take up the last season of his agreement.

"I have informed the Dublin County Board that I am stepping down as Dublin Senior Hurling Manager," says Donoghue said in a statement released by Dublin GAA.

"I would like to thank the panel and backroom team for their tireless work over the past two years.

"I was very fortunate to work with a very talented panel of players and I look forward to watching their progress over the coming seasons.

"I also thank the Dublin County Board officers and staff for their support and help.

"And I also want to acknowledge the support of clubs across the county and supporters during my tenure.

"I wish Dublin hurling every success in the future."

In his two years in charge Dublin managed to qualify for the All-Ireland hurling championships, finishing third in the Leinster round-robin in 2023, before reaching the provincial final this year.

Those two top-three finishes in the Leinster Championship marked an improvement on the final year of his predecessor Mattie Kenny's time in charge.

Donoghue was dealt a blow early in his reign when the experienced trip of Liam Rushe, Cian O'Callaghan and Chris Crummey stepped away from the panel, but the Sky Blues still managed to pip Wexford to third place in Leinster.

They reached the All-Ireland quarter-final where they were given an 18-point trimming by Clare.

The panel regrouped for 2024 with Donoghue, who regularly emphasised the massive turnover in his squad, able to call upon the influencial former captain Crummey once more.

Dublin's gutsy draw with Wexford set them up for a trip to the Leinster final

Their season was nearly over before it had begun as they trailed Wexford heading into added time in their Leinster opener. Astonishingly, two quick goals would see Donoghue's charges escape from Chadwicks Wexford Park with a scarcely deserved share of the spoils.

It gave the side belief to see off Antrim and Carlow, before battling bravely in defeat to Kilkenny to set up a showdown with Galway on the last day of the round robin.

The Dubs went to Salthill and secured the victory they needed to keep their season alive, but it would end up being their last win of the season. The Leinster final against Kilkenny was over by half-time as the Cats produced a ruthless display at Croke Park.

And Cork would see them off in the quarter-final in what proved to be Donoghue's final game.

"On behalf of Dublin GAA, I thank Micheál and all involved for their hard work, commitment and desire over the past two years," said Dublin GAA chairperson Mick Seavers.

"Micheál has left Dublin Hurling in a very strong position to challenge for National titles over the coming seasons with the introduction of talented young hurlers combined with the more experienced players."

Dublin GAA says the process to find Donoghue's replacement will get underway presently.

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