Tipperary have announced that former player Colm Bonnar will be their new senior hurling manager.
The former Carlow manager will fill the void left by two-time All-Ireland winning manager Liam Sheedy after he stepped away from the post last month.
Bonnar, a two-time All-Ireland winner with Tipperary as a player in 1989 and 1991, has been appointed on a three-year tern following a meeting of Tipperary’s management committee on Wednesday night.
Bonnar was previously in charge of Wexford from 2009-11 but it was with Carlow where he achieved the majority of his success.
He was hailed for leading the Barrowsider’s to Joe McDonagh Cup and Christy Ring Cup titles as well as promoting from Division 2A of the league during his time in charge from 2017-20.
Speaking following the confirmation of his three-year term, Bonnar said: “I realise that one of the most successful Tipperary teams ever is obviously coming to a natural transition with the departure of Liam Sheedy and the recent retirement of Brendan Maher, and I would like to congratulate them on their amazing careers for Tipperary.
Picture: Courtesy of Carlow GAA Twitter.
“However, I am confident with the experience still in the current squad and the many successful U20/21 and minor teams over the last number of years, there are many talented hurlers in Tipperary bursting to take their opportunity to be successful at senior level, just like I am as the new manager.
“I will bring to this role, all my playing and managerial experience, my passion for the game and for Tipperary, along with a track record of success and getting the most out of teams and players.”
Bonnar is currently involved with the Dicksboro management team and helped guide Ballyhale Shamrocks to All-Ireland glory in 2015.
He was also at the helm of Waterford IT for five of their Fitzgibbon Cup titles.
As a player, he won minor, U21 and senior All-Irelands with Tipperary as well as being part of the Cashel King Cormacs side that won the Tipperary County championship and Munster club championship in 1991.
