O’Sullivan steps down as Ballygunner hurling boss
Ballygunner manager Darragh O'Sullivan will be free to manage from the sidelines in Sunday's county final. Photo: Maurice Hennebry.
All Ireland club winning manager Darragh O’Sullivan has stepped down as Ballygunner boss after six seasons in charge.
He guided the Gunners to the promised land in February 2022 as Harry Ruddle’s last gasp goal into Hill 16 secured an unforgettable 2-17 to 1-19 victory over Shamrocks Ballyhale.
“Am I dreaming lads?” is what he said to reporters when he entered the press room alongside Philip Mahony. “We Ballyhaled Ballyhale, that’s probably what happened. That late goal, that takes belief.”
Ballygunner became the first club to capture three Munster titles in a row during his tenure. O’Sullivan never tasted defeat in Waterford as they collected six county championships. He recorded 46 wins and just four losses in 50 games across all the competitions. That’s a win rate of 92 per cent!
After their surprise Munster final defeat to Sarsfields last December, O’Sullivan paid tribute to the players. “A special bunch, an absolute special bunch. The way they carry themselves on and off the field. They’re part of my life and part of all our lives. They just give you everything. They don’t whinge, there’s no egos and they just do what’s right for the group. Anyone that ever works with them will be privileged and honoured.
"They’ll row in behind you, they’ll do everything you ask and they won’t whinge. That’s very unique in the modern day. There’s a huge amount of love in that dressing room and we all love each other. I know it might be a bit strange to say that but we do. That’s the facts of it.”
According to WLR, Jason Ryan is set to take over the Gunners in 2025. Ryan managed the Wexford senior footballers for five seasons (2008 to 2012), leading them to an All Ireland semi final and two Leinster finals. The former Déise footballer then spent two years in charge of Kildare. For the last five years, he has been involved with the Waterford academy squads. He is also serving as a selector with the Wexford senior hurling team under Keith Rossiter.
Ballygunner begin their bid for twelve in a row this summer with a county final rematch against Abbeyside/Ballinacourty. The men in red and black are 58 games unbeaten in the Waterford SHC. De La Salle, Roanmore, Brickey Rangers and Clonea will also take on the News & Star Cup holders in Group B.
