O'Connor departs Offaly Under 20 hurling manager's role

Offaly GAA has paid tribute to Leo O'Connor who has stepped down from his role as Under 20 hurling manager.

The Limerick native's decision brings to an end a seven year association with underage hurling teams in The Faithful County with success achieved during his term as manager.

As the county's minor hurling manager, O'Connor enjoyed provincial success in 2022, but saw his charges suffer a devastating loss in the All-Ireland final later that year.

Following the minor All-Ireland hurling defeat, O'Connor was appointed to the role of U20 manager where he guided Offaly to successive Leinster titles in 2023 and 2024, achieving All-Ireland final success in 2024 with a six point defeat of Tipperary.

A number of the players O'Connor has guided to underage provincial and All-Ireland success featured on the Offaly senior hurling team who advanced to the quarter-final stage of this year's Liam McCarthy competition before tasting defeat to Cork.

A social media post issued by Offaly GAA thanked O'Connor for his "outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership" during his term as underage hurling manager.

"Leo played a pivotal role in restoring pride and belief in Offaly underage hurling, leadign the county to a Leinser minor championship, back-to-back Leinster U20 titles in 2023 and 2024 and the historic All-Ireland U20 championship success.

"We thank Leo and his management team for everything they have given to Offaly GAA and wish them every success and happiness in the future," the Offaly GAA statement concluded.