Tipperary County Board: Eamon O'Shea leaves lasting legacy
By Peter McNamara
The Tipperary County Board have this morning released a fitting tribute to outgoing manager Eamon O'Shea as he leaves the post as senior hurling manager.
The county board within the Premier County were effusive in their praise of O'Shea following his involvements in successes this year and in 2010 in particular.
O'Shea led Tipp to the Munster SHC title in 2015 and was an integral component of Liam Sheedy's management team five years ago as the county side landed the Liam McCarthy.
"Already planned and known in advance all was missing was the date, a truly inspirational and passionate Tipperary manager Eamon O’Shea, led his side into combat one last time in Croke Park on Sunday last," the statement read.
"It is with a huge amount of gratitude and thanks Tipperary Co Board mark and acknowledges the contribution of Eamon O’Shea, a Tipperary man through and through who never wanted more than to see Tipperary be successful.
"He leaves behind a solid structure, a fabulous group of players who held Eamon in such high esteem. His is the torch they carried; his is the badge they wore with pride. Eamon’s belief in his players was and is unequivocal and also resilient in his belief that they will succeed when he is gone.
"Giving up a tremendous amount of his time to Tipperary, Tipperary Co. Board is indebted to the contribution Eamon O’Shea has given in his term as manager. The Board also thanks Eamon’s family who played their part in Eamon’s voyage and shared in his highs and some lows too.
"For your energy, passion, dedication, honesty and integrity on behalf of all Tipperary players, supporters and officials alike, we extend every best wish and more to Eamon O’Shea and his family now and for the future.
"You are more than a “footnote” you are the foundation, the platform, the genesis of things to come. The future is bright, the future is Blue and Gold because of your contribution and for that the players salute you; we salute you, farewell and thanks."
All the best to Eamon O'Shea,came within a whisker of bringing Liam McCarthy back to Tipp just 12 months ago #GAA pic.twitter.com/KdxnuQKpti
— UnOfficialGaa (@UnOfficialGaa) August 16, 2015
Chairman, Michael Bourke said: “Eamon O’Shea’s contribution to Tipperary is immense. I have witnessed at first hand that the only thing on his mind was getting Tipperary hurling to the pinnacle of All Ireland success and keeping it there, which was his total ambition.
Eamon is a man of huge belief in his ideals and in those around him and whose determination and approach was unquestionable in trying to get there. I wish to thank Eamon and his family most sincerely for his contribution to Tipperary. He gave his all unfailingly and I really appreciate it.”
The players will be sad to see O'Shea go even though they were aware of such a decision for quite some time.
This was further illustrated by Séamus Callanan's post-match reaction last Sunday with the man of the match suggesting Tipp's players would 'die on the field' for O'Shea.
Additionally, Callanan had explained how the NUIG Professor was much more than just a hurling manager to the group.
It is widely known how highly-regarded the Kilruane MacDonagh's clubman was among the panel even away from the hurling circuit.
However, attentions will turn to the appointment of his replacement in the coming weeks and months as Tipp seek further success in 2016 and beyond.
