After leading the Cork Ladies' Footballers to ten All-Ireland titles in 11 years, Eamonn Ryan surprised many when he announced that he was to step aside.
He joined Peadar Healy's backroom team with the Cork men's side ahead of the 2016 season. Last night on Off the Ball, Ryan spoke about why he left the job with one of Ireland's most successful teams of the 21st century.
Ryan completed his tenure of the Rebelettes with an All-Ireland Final win in Croke Park in September. His side defeated Dublin 0-12 to 0-10.
"I just felt that, at my age there wouldn't be many more chances to do new things. When the football offer came, I considered it seriously and for better or for worse I decided to run with it". Ryan added that "it was a hard decision, a very tough decision".
"There's always a danger that when you stay too long in anything that people will ultimately get a bit tired of you. I have had very happy memories of my 11 or 12 years with that team".
Ryan hopes that he will be able to get his hands dirty when he takes up his new role as a Cork selector. "I hope I'll get a chance to do a bit of coaching, because I wouldn't be the brightest selector in the World... That's what I like doing. I find the words Manager and even Coach a bit beyond me".
Cork begin their 2016 season with a McGrath Cup game at home to Limerick on January 3rd in Mallow.
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