Michael Donoghue's departure as Galway hurling manager came as a shock to many, but to Kieran Donaghy it wasn't something that came out of the blue. 

Speaking on Tuesday's OTB AM, the former Kerry footballer said he had an inkling that Donoghue might step down.

“I talked to Michael yesterday and it’s a tough gig being the manager of your own county because there is constant pressure on, especially when you have landed that All-Ireland.

“There is that expectancy every year that you’re going to come back with it. As we know hurling is ultra-competitive," he said.

As a member of Donoghue's backroom staff with Galway this year, Donaghy said he understood the reasons he might want to step away.

“I think Michael is a big family man, he’s got a young family and they’re getting to an age now where you have to be pretty hands-on as a parent.

“I would say that would have been a big factor in it. It’s disappointing because I know the players and the regard they hold Michael in.

Photo Credit: ©INPHO/Oisin Keniry

Commitment levels

“When you have given it four years, that’s an awful lot of commitment to put your life into," the Tralee native said.

There are no half measures in county management and although Donoghue signed a new contract this year, it was the right time to go, according to Donoghue.

“The commitment levels with work and his family are an awful lot and he really feels that he needs to be giving it almost 150 per cent, there’s is no middle ground with it.

“Galway comes first, the hurling team comes first and all his players come first. When you’ve done that for four years it can take a toll.

“The players love Michael and he was a great servant for what he did for Galway. Landing that title you know there were memorable scenes," he said.

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