Eamonn Fitzmaurice looks set to step down from his role as Kerry manager following the Kingdom’s exit from this year’s All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.
Kerry throttled Kildare in Killarney to finish their debut appearance in the inaugural All-Ireland quarter-final group stages in style but their victory was ultimately in vein as Monaghan’s eight point win over Galway in Salthill ended their run in this year’s championship.
Fitzmaurice took over from Jack O’Connor in 2012 and he brought Kerry to an All-Ireland title win in 2014 as well as five Munster championship wins.
Kerry GAA confirmed Fitzmaurice’s departure in a statement on their Twitter account on Saturday.
With heavy heart we announce that our Manager Éamonn Fitzmaurice has stepped down. We cannot thank @efitz6 enough for all he has done for Kerry GAA. He is a gentleman to the core and has given everything for the cause. We wish Éamonn and his family all the best
— Kerry GAA (@Kerry_Official) August 4, 2018
“With heavy heart we announce that our Manager Éamonn Fitzmaurice has stepped down. We cannot thank @efitz6 enough for all he has done for Kerry GAA. He is a gentleman to the core and has given everything for the cause.
“We wish Éamonn and his family all the best.”
It is understood that Fitzmaurice was going to resign this season regardless of Kerry’s fortunes in the championship.
Fitzmaurice describes himself as a lightning-rod for negativity and says the team needs space to develop
— Denis Hurley (@Denis_Hurley) August 4, 2018
“The one thing I’d say is, rather than measuring it in cups or wins or whatever, I can look in the mirror and say I gave it everything I have.”
— Denis Hurley (@Denis_Hurley) August 4, 2018
Fitzmaurice says he was going to step down even if Kerry won the All-Ireland
— Denis Hurley (@Denis_Hurley) August 4, 2018
