McGrath could make management return

Ken McGrath has not ruled out returning to inter-county management in the future after his departure as a Waterford hurling selector was confirmed.

The Deise legend joined Michael Ryan’s management team during the Allianz Hurling League and was delighted to help out following a difficult start to the campaign, but he has stepped down to concentrate on his new job.

Reflecting on his time with Waterford, McGrath admits it was a bigger commitment than he thought it would be and he is not ruling out a return in the future when his hunger returns.

“I’d just finished playing last year and went back in with the lads early this season, which is very soon after retiring,” he is quoted as saying in the Irish Examiner.

“That’s hard enough when you’ve played with so many of them, but when I was asked to help out, I was glad to do whatever I could to help.

“It’s a huge commitment and it might be something I’d go back and look at doing again in the future, when I’ve a bit more experience in dealing with teams, but it’s something you need a real hunger for.

“I loved it for the last few months and enjoyed working with Michael [Ryan], Sean [Cullinane] and the players, and the season went well enough — we avoided relegation, beat Clare in the Munster championship and could have beaten Cork in the All-Ireland series with a bit of luck.”

Ryan paid tribute to his former selector, who he believes deserves to take a break after devoting the last 16 years to Waterford.

“I want to wish Ken all the best, because he did a superb job coming in as a selector earlier this year,” Ryan stated.

“He did a lot of the coaching with the players and got a great response from the panel, which is hardly surprising given that he is a legend in the county and in the hurling world generally.

“It’s a huge commitment being involved at inter-county management level and Ken gave us superb service in the last season — it’s worth bearing in mind that Ken has been involved with Waterford for the past 16 seasons between playing and management, so he’s certainly entitled to take a break.

“I know that he is also interested in playing on with his club, Mount Sion, who have a lot of good young players coming through. Given Ken’s family’s deep involvement with their club, it’s hardly surprising that he wishes to stay involved with them, and given his performances for them this season I imagine they’ll be happy he wants to stay playing.”