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'This team will be forever ingrained in my heart', McGrath steps down

'This team will be forever ingrained in my heart', McGrath steps down

Derek McGrath has stood down as Waterford Senior Hurling Manger.

Derek announced his resignation at a meeting of the County Board last night.

In his resignation letter he said the relinquishing of his position came after "five thoroughly enjoyable years working with the most committed, dedicated, honest and genuine players to represent our county".

The English teacher thanked his family, the County Board and the Waterford supporters, and most of all the players:

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"You have been a credit to yourselves and I thank your families and partners for inculcating in you a sense of decency, a humility and a work ethic that will stand the test of time. The greatest compliment I can pay both players and their families is the hope that I can continue to rear my own family with the underlying traits that are inherent in you all. This team will be forever ingrained in my heart."

Twitter lit up with tributes to the 42 year old who has led the Deise for the past five years.

 

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County Board Chairman Paddy Joe Ryan thanked Derek for his commitment over the last five years.  He said that Derek was the most dedicated inter county manager he has ever come across:

"I want to thank him sincerely for his great contribution over the past five years. Being a County Manager is certainly not an easy job, time, commitment, family, suffering over it, it's just unbelieveable all the work that goes into it. The County Board and the people of Waterford are extremely grateful".

De La Salle delegate Seamus Quirke was sorry to see Derek depart as Deise boss.
Quirke said that his attention to detail was extraordinary.

"I think there's a bit of sadness there because he represented the club as County Manager and that's a proud thing for the club....This year was a year that went totally wrong for him anything that could happen to the team happened. I just want to thank him for everything he did for our club and Waterford and wish him well in the future."

Read Derek's full resignation statement here:

PRESS RELEASE..

DEREK McGRATH RESIGNATION STATEMENT:

Tonight I have informed the Waterford County Board of my...

Posted by CLG Port Lairge - Waterford GAA on Monday, June 18, 2018

picture: Derek with wife Sarah and sons Finn and Odhran

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