Pat Ryan has stepped down as Cork hurling manager after opting against seeking a new term in charge.
The 49-year-old brings the curtain down on three years in which he led the Rebels to two All-Ireland finals, both ending in defeat.
This season saw Cork claim a first league title in 27 years and first provincial success in seven years, but their swashbuckling campaign was brought to a shuddering halt with a 15-point defeat to Tipperary in the All-Ireland decider.
Ryan's club Sarsfields confirmed the decision with a social media post.
"The last three years has been a pleasure to be part of a wonderful journey with the Cork senior hurling team," his statement read.
"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."
"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."
Ryan's younger brother, former Cork and Sarsfields hurler Ray Ryan, died in February and his untimely passing was also acknowledged in the statement.
"2025 was an especially emotional and devastating year for me and my whole family but the support we have received after our beloved Ray's passing from the wider GAA family and especially the Cork public has been very inspiring."
Ryan's final game in charge proved to be the All-Ireland final collapse to Tipperary.
Having comfortably seen off the Premier in both a league final and in Munster, before ending Limerick’s provincial domination and their quest for seven-in-a-row, the Rebels came into the decider on the back of a demolition of Dublin and strong favourites to end a 20-year wait for Liam MacCarthy.
Leading by six at the interval, without ever looking as potent as earlier in the summer, Cork mustered just two points after the break as Liam Cahill led the Premier to the summit.
Speaking after the game, Ryan couldn’t hide his disappointment with the second-half performance.
"It's the second All-Ireland in a row that we've lost," he said. "Just really, really disappointed with that second half. We didn't represent ourselves the way we should have represented ourselves.
"Credit to Tipperary. They came up and you could see that they had loads of momentum behind them and they had a lot of good players all over the place."
"We have no qualms. Tipperary were the best team, credit to them and they'll enjoy the celebrations."
Cork GAA released a statement on Saturday evening thanking Ryan for his time as manager.
"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," the statement read.
"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."
