Anthony Cunningham steps down as St Brigid's boss in wake of heartbreaking All Ireland final defeat

St Brigid's GAA club announced today (Saturday) that Anthony Cunningham has stepped down from his position as manager of its senior men's team.

Cunningham's departure comes less than a fortnight after the Kiltoom club was defeated by the narrowest margin, after extra time, in their All Ireland senior club final against Daingean Uí Chúis.

In a statement, St Brigid's said it was "extremely grateful to Anthony for his unwavering commitment," adding that he was departing "with the utmost gratitude, respect and affection" of the club.

A Galway native and long-time Athlone resident, who works in the local TUS technological university, Cunningham has been a prominent figure in the GAA for decades.

An All Ireland-winning hurler with Galway in the '80s, he went on to have spells as manager of the Galway senior hurlers and Roscommon senior footballers, leading the hurlers to two All Ireland final appearances and winning provincial honours with Roscommon. He also led the Garrycastle footballers to an All Ireland club final.

Here is the St Brigid's statement announcing his departure:

St Brigid's GAA today announce that Anthony Cunningham has stepped down from his position as Senior Men's manager.

In his second spell as Senior Men's manager, Anthony guided us to successes in the O'Rourke Cup, Roscommon & Connacht Championships, as well as guiding us to the All Ireland final in January.

All at St Brigid's are extremely grateful to Anthony for his unwavering commitment to the club and everything he has done to help develop our senior men into great players, but more importantly, shaping them into role models for the next generation.

He is a man widely respected across the GAA community, as his character is the epitome of everything right in Gaelic Games.

Anthony departs the role with the utmost gratitude, respect and affection of the club.

We wish you nothing but the best for the future. Thank you Anthony!