BREAKING: Shock as Tipperary manager pens lengthy statement after stepping down as senior boss!

Tipperary LGFA confirmed on Friday afternoon that Ed Burke has stepped down from his role as Senior Ladies Football Team Manager.

Released on their social media channels, they expressed their sincere gratitude to Ed for his outstanding commitment, energy, and ambition during his time at the helm.

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They said: "His passion for Tipperary Ladies Football and his drive to elevate the Senior team to the highest possible level were clear from day one.

"Ed brought a professionalism and standard that inspired players and management alike. His work ethic and dedication to developing the team have left a lasting impact, and we are incredibly appreciative of the time and expertise he invested in the group.

"This decision comes after careful reflection, and it is important to acknowledge that Ed’s motivations were always rooted in what he believed was best for the players and the continued growth of the team. He leaves with our utmost respect and best wishes for the future."

Tipperary LGFA stated that they remain committed to building on the solid foundations laid during Ed’s tenure, and they will release further details in due course.

Speaking on his resignation as senior manager, Ed Burke said: "I wish to inform the Executive and County Board that I will be stepping down as senior team manager effective immediately.

"I do so with a heavy heart and it is something I may regret, but I am a person of my word, and I simply will not settle for second best.

"I have great admiration for all the players, management and people involved in the county board for their tireless work.

"It was a pleasure to work with this group of players and management who got Tipperary to an All Ireland Quarter Final for the first time in over 40 Years."

He continued: "As part of my review, I have identified areas I desperately want to improve on, and I am not willing to stay on as manager in a situation where I see us remaining stagnant for the next 12 months.

"I had requested that the county board back the team with extra funding and had agreed to completely spearhead the complete fundraising campaign with a substantial fundraiser over Nov/Dec/Jan on top of our successful Partner Program, but unfortunately, I have not got this backing.

"I can 100% understand where the board is coming from with fears of financial difficulty, but for us to move forward, I need to drive the standards, and I am not willing to stand still on this matter.

"As previously stated, I was willing to spearhead the fundraising for all this money, and all I wanted was for the board to back me now so that I could get planning and put in place the best possible setup and high-performance environment for our players. Unfortunately, I have not got this backing, and so as I stated initially in the meeting, I would be stepping down.

"I hold no grievances or ill will with anyone over this, but as I said, I have been in place for 1 year, and I see firsthand what we need to do to get Tipperary to the top, and I am not willing to stand still for the players' sake or for Tipperary’s sake.

"Different people might have different perspectives from mine, but I know what needs to be done and I won’t settle for any less.

"I would like to thank everyone for all the help throughout the last year with everything and I wish this team and players, who I believe have massive potential, all the best," he finished.