Darren Gleeson, the previous Antrim senior hurling manager, has decided to step down from his position. A native of Tipperary, Gleeson took over the Saffrons back in autumn 2019 and has since guided the team to claim the Joe McDonagh Cup in 2020 and 2022, as well as win the National Hurling League Division Two title in 2020.
On Monday, Gleeson made it known that his reign as the Antrim senior hurling manager had concluded. “My role as the Antrim hurling manager ceased this morning, a post that I have held since 2019 with utmost pride,” he stated.
The former Tipperary goalkeeper, a two-time All-Ireland champion, took the opportunity to express his gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his five-season tenure, including his relatives, his team’s management, and Antrim county board.
He went on to add high praises for the Antrim players who strived tirelessly and dedicatedly to restore Antrim to the uppermost level of inter-county hurling. “Our ambitions have always been high as we took on representing Antrim with profound pride. We surely know your clubs and families are immensely proud of your achievements,” he added.
Gleeson also thanked Antrim’s clubs for supplying dedicated players and appreciated their nurturing hand. He also acknowledged the under-20 management teams for their relentless efforts in promoting the county.
Finally, Gleeson provided a note of encouragement for Antrim’s hurling fans, expressing his excitement to meet them around Ireland’s playing pitches in their continued support for the county.