James O’Connor has stepped down as Ballyhale Shamrocks manager, according to overnight reports.
The Waterford native took over from Henry Shefflin in the wake of the 2020 club All-Ireland series and his tenure brought further success to Ballyhale, least of all the 2021 senior county and Leinster championships.
On Saturday afternoon, O’Connor watched his side fall to a dramatic late goal from Harry Ruddle that handed Ballygunner their first-ever senior club All-Ireland title, the Waterford side clinching a 2-17 to 1-19 win.
It may have been a case of Ballyhale getting Ballyhaled, with Shamrocks having overturned St. Rynagh’s and St. Thomas’ at the death on their way to a third successive senior hurling showdown. Alas, it wasn’t to be.
Per overnight reports, Shamrocks will now be on the hunt for a new senior manager.
While O’Connor may return to Waterford, his mark has undoubtedly been left on Ballyhale turf as a post via social media this morning suggests.
“We are so proud of our Senior team and management. What they have done over the last 4 years has been incredible. They have given all of us some magical days that we all will remember forever. They are legends in our small parish” (via)
Listen back: Ballygunner v Shamrocks Ballyhale
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