Colm Bonnar has been appointed manager of the Tipperary hurlers. Wednesday night’s meeting of the county’s management committee announced the news. According to a statement released by the county, Bonnar brings “extensive previous experience” and will serve a three-year term.
“Apart from his 17 years,” runs the statement, “playing with Tipperary teams between 1982 and 2000, where he played in 17 Munster Finals (winning 11) and 10 All-Ireland finals (winning 5), Colm’s management career has also seen him build up a catalogue of experience and success across many teams.”
Bonnar acknowledged that he was taking the job at a time of change after three All-Irelands in the last decade.
“I realise that one of the most successful Tipperary teams ever is obviously coming to a natural transition with the departure of Liam Sheedy and the recent retirement of Brendan Maher and I would like to congratulate them on their amazing careers for Tipperary.
“However, I am confident with the experience still in the current squad and the many successful under-20/-21 and minor teams over the last number of years, there are many talented hurlers in Tipperary bursting to take their opportunity to be successful at senior level, just like I am as the new manager.
“I will bring to this role all my playing and managerial experience, my passion for the game and for Tipperary, along with a track record of success and getting the most out of teams and players.”
Bonnar has a wealth of coaching experience as a selector with Waterford and Tipperary as well as managing Wexford and Carlow.
He also has huge experience of developing young players as the Sports Officer in Waterford IT where he also coached the college to Fitzgibbon Cup titles as well as guiding Kilkenny champions Ballyhale Shamrocks to an All-Ireland club title in 2015.
It was also announced that former goalkeeper Brendan Cummins will take over as manager of the under-20s with former Kerry manager Fintan O’Connor as coach.
