Kilkenny have announced their senior camogie manager Ann Downey has stepped down from her role.
It follows their 3-14 to 0-17 defeat to Galway in yesterday's Liberty Insurance All-Ireland final at Croke Park.
Downey began her second stint in charge of the Cats in 2016, winning the All-Ireland and Manager of the Year that same year.
Kilkenny also secured three National League titles in a row in 2016, 2017 and 2018 during her tenure.
Downey announced her decision in the dressing room after yesterday's defeat, and then at the post-match banquet last night.
Chairperson Sheila Norris has paid tribute to Downey's success with the county in a statement released today.
“Ann Downey has decided to step down from her managerial role with the Kilkenny senior camogie team. Having done a two-year stint from 2008-2009 and reaching the All Ireland in 2009, she again took over the reins in 2016, bringing the team to claim their first All Ireland in twenty-two years in her first year in charge.
"Three in a row National League Division 1 titles were secured in 2016, 2017 and 2018 as well as reaching the All Ireland final in each of those years and indeed in 2019. We also won three Leinster titles in 2017, 2018 and 2019. She received the accolade of Manager of The Year in 2016.
"All this was on top of a stellar playing career, during which she won twelve All Ireland medals.
"Kilkenny Camogie is very grateful to Ann for the time and commitment she has given to Camogie over the last four years. Her dedication to her sport and to her county has been second to none and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
Galway are now the 2019 National League and All-Ireland champions, with Kilkenny also losing this year's league final to Cathal Murray's Tribes outfit.
Yesterday was just the third time that Galway have won the O'Duffy Cup after previous successes in 1996 and 2013.
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