Update: Cork County Board pay tribute to departing hurling manager Pat Ryan

Pat Ryan has opted against seeking a new term as manager of the Cork senior hurling team.

During his three years in charge, the 49-year-old led the county to an Allianz HL title, a Munster SHC and two All-Ireland final appearances.

Prior to that, he had been in charge for the All-Ireland U20 wins of 2020 and 2021.

Ryan's club Sarsfields confirmed Ryan's decision with a post on social media on Saturday morning, where he outlined his thoughts.

"The last three years has been a pleasure to be part of a wonderful journey with the Cork senior hurling team," a 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.

"In this five years, the support I have received from a wonderful loyal and trustworthy management and backroom team has made my job very easy.

"To Wayne [Sherlock], Donal [O'Mahony], Brendan [Coleman], Fergal [Condon] and our wonderful coach Donal O’Rourke, thank you for all your hard work on behalf of Cork GAA.

"To the rest of the backroom team, a great word of thanks to everyone but to Ian [Jones], Dave [Nolan], Declan [Fitzgerald] and Tomás [Manning], thanks for your unwavering friendship and counsel.

"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.

"I would like to thank all the chairpersons I have worked under the past 5 years - Tracey Kennedy, Marc Sheehan and, most recently, Pat Horgan for showing faith in me.

"Kevin O’Donovan, Cork CEO, and Daniel Lane, Cork GAA, have been great supporters and no request or ask was ever an issue in the strive for excellence for the cork hurlers.

"To my club Sarsfields, thank you for the wonderful support over the last few years and I look forward to being back in what ever capacity needed in Teddy McCarthy Park.

"2025 has been 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.

SEA OF RED

"The following this Cork team has generated has been amazing and to witness the sea of red at matches means so much to all of us involved but especially to the players, a genuine heartfelt thanks to every Cork GAA fan - keep believing.

"In life, sometimes loyalty is a word linked to weakness, but I was reared to believe it to be the ultimate strength of a person's character and I would like to think I displayed plenty of that in my time as Cork manager, I know I received so much of it in return from the cork senior hurling group.

We in Cork are so lucky to have the players we have and the talent they possess. I know whoever leads Cork in 2026 will do their ultimate best to bring Liam home to Leeside. 

"I personally cannot wait to be cheering Cork in 2026, but this time back to where it all started as a rebel in the crowd.

"Finally to my family Tricia, Daniel, Aisling and Cian, my parents, brothers and sisters-in-law thank you for your unwavering support - as our beloved Ray would often say, "Keep Believing” - we will win it next year.

"God Bless, Rebels Abú,

"Pat."

TRIBUTE

On Saturday night, the Cork County Board issued a statement paying tribute to Ryan, along with his selectors and backroom. 

"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.

"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.

Cork GAA Chairperson Pat Horgan notes that, “Pat’s legacy as a wonderful volunteer across his managing, coaching and playing career is an example to all members. We remain certain that he will continue to make a major contribution in this regard.” 

Cork GAA Secretary/CEO, Kevin O’Donovan reflects that, “No one will forget the iconic moments which highlighted Pat’s period in charge, with all generations inspired to take to the fields of Munster and beyond. This legacy will, no doubt, endure long into the future.”