The statement comes in the wake of O’Grady’s shock move to step down as joint-manager on Sunday night after a dispute with the county board over an allegation that the management team had “apologised for the abysmal displays of the team” during the national league campaign.

O’Grady claims assurances were made that the allegations would be withdrawn and clarified by the county board but when that did not happen he chose to vacate his position.

In the reply from the county board, county board chairman Oliver Mann expressed his disappointment at O’Grady’s decision “particularly so when efforts were ongoing to finalise an agreed statement clarifying matters”.

It appears the board’s assertion is that while the management did not apologise for the team’s performances, they did take responsibility for failing to achieve promotion, but that O’Grady was reluctant to agree to a statement to that effect.

O’Grady informed Mann of his decision to step down as joint-manager of the county’s senior hurlers via voicemail shortly before 10pm on Sunday night, according to the statement.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner last night, O’Grady said that the board’s decision to publicly criticise the players and management undermined the work being done and to support the players.

While acknowledging that managers are judged by their results and accepting that they are open to criticism in private, the former Cork boss also felt that the board “lacked perspective when it came to performances in the league; that they rushed to judgement”.

It has been confirmed that TJ Ryan will remain in charge of the side as they prepare for their Championship opener against Tipperary at Semple Stadium on June 1.

Limerick County Board statement in full:

The Management Committee of Limerick County Board convened last night to discuss the resignation of Donal O’Grady as joint manager of Limerick Senior Hurling Team.

The Chairman expressed his disappointment at the decision particularly so when efforts were ongoing to finalise an agreed statement clarifying matters arising from the April County Board meeting.

The Chairman confirmed that the draft statement had included a statement confirming that the joint managers had never apologised for the performance against Offaly, however they had accepted full accountability and taken full responsibility for failing to achieve league promotion.

Unfortunately Donal O’Grady was reluctant to agree the statement or engage with a third party intermediary to finalise an agreed statement.

In the end he choose to resign his position and informed the Chairman by voicemail before 10pm on Sunday night last.

Management decided unanimously to confirm TJ Ryan as manager with selectors Mark Lyons and Paul Beery until the conclusion of this year’s championship. It was also agreed that the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer in consultation with the team management would identify and appoint a hurling coach as a priority.

County Management confirmed their full confidence in the management and team and reaffirmed that every support required to prepare for the Munster Championship will be made available to the management and team.