John Allen steps down as Limerick hurling manager

Following plenty of speculation about his future in recent weeks, it has been confirmed this evening that John Allen has decided to step down as manager of the Limerick hurling team.

Despite guiding Limerick to their first Munster title since 1996 and an All-Ireland semi-final appearance, Allen has decided to call time on his two-year reign with the Treaty County. Allen’s decision was confirmed at a County Board meeting this evening (see tweet by Jerome O'Connell of the Limerick Leader below) after he and his management team had met with County Board last week.

Confirmed.... John Allen gone. Statement just read at Limerick County Board meeting confirming he has decided to go — Jerome O'Connell (@JeromeSport) September 10, 2013

  Unsurprisingly given his success with the county, Allen was very highly regarded in Limerick and his decision to leave will come as a blow to a side who have plenty to build on despite a disappointing performance in defeat to Clare in the All-Ireland semi-final last month. What the future holds for Allen it is too early to tell but having won an All-Ireland title in his time as manager with his native Cork before taking on Limerick, he’ll hardly be short of offers.