Antrim hurling boss Kevin Ryan is to step down once the county’s involvement in the All-Ireland Under-21 Championship comes to a close.
The Saffrons are due to face Wexford in the semi-finals later this month. Aside from winning an Ulster title, Antrim suffered relegation in the league and demotion to the Christy Ring Cup this year.
Ryan said tonight: "It has been a poor year for Antrim senior hurling.
“That's apart from early league form and a fantastic display against Laois."
The Waterford native took charge of Antrim in September 2012 and while the Saffrons were unlucky to lose to Limerick in the league the following spring, they lost to Laois and Wexford in the Leinster Championship.
Ryan did make amends later that summer by seeing the Saffrons book a place in their first ever All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling final with victory over Wexford, only to lose to Clare in the Semple Stadium decider.
Following the Saffrons league defeat to Kerry and also after the Ulster Championship victory over Derry, Ryan indicated that he would be staying on for another year, but he has now decided to reverse that decision.
He informed the Antrim Under-21's tonight at training of his intentions to call time on his managerial involvement once their championship campaign came to an end.
Speaking about the future of Antrim hurling, Ryan said major change is required to revitalise the sport in the county.
"It needs a clear pathway for the next three years or more,” he added.
“Starting that process in my last year may not suit my successor.
"I would like to thank Frankie Quinn and the board, all those who helped and supported me in the backroom team and some seriously dedicated supporters for their support in the past three years.
"In particular, I would like to thank and pay tribute to the players for their continued efforts and support for both Antrim and myself.
"I wish them all the success their efforts deserve."
