CORK MUST FIND a new senior hurling manager for 2018 after Kieran Kingston has opted not to take a new two-year term.

Cork Kieran Kingston with his players after the Munster final. Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

Kingston has been in charge for the past two seasons but despite being offered a new term by Cork county board chiefs, he informed chairman Ger Lane today of his decision not to stay in the role.

The Tracton native guided Cork to Munster senior hurling glory this summer with a final win over Clare before they exited the All-Ireland championship at the semi-final stage against Waterford in August.

Wow !!!! He done a superb job with his team in 2017 and is a big loss.... #greatgaaman👍 https://t.co/93YbQIfLPF — Liam Sheedy (@LiamLsheedy) September 23, 2017 Source: Liam Sheedy /Twitter

A former All-Ireland senior medal winner as a player, Kingston has been involved with the Cork hurlers for five of the last six years.

In 2012 and 2013 he served as a selector with Jimmy Barry-Murphy, taking on the role of coach in 2014. He opted out in 2015 before replacing Barry-Murphy as manager for the last two years.

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Derek McGrath and Kieran Kingston after August's All-Ireland semi-final. Source: Lorraine O'Sullivan/INPHO

“It’s a huge disappointment to see Kieran leave this position after such huge progress during the two years of his management,” remarked Cork chairman Ger Lane.

“The performances of the team throughout the league and championship were a direct result of Kieran’s input and he has left Cork hurling in a very good place.

“Our board had an outstanding relationship with Kieran and his backroom team and we are very sorry to see his departure. Many new players got the opportunity to develop under his management and proved their worth in championship 2017 only going down to Waterford in the All-Ireland semi-final.

“Kieran has laid a very solid foundation and left the team in a very good position and on behalf of all in Cork GAA, I wish to sincerely thank him for his wonderful contribution to Cork hurling.

“I would hope Kieran will stay involved in some capacity with Cork but I fully understand the demands on an inter-county manager and I wish him the very best for the future.”

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