It's fair to say that 2022 was not a good year for Tipperary. Having become accustomed to competing at the very top in both Munster and the All-Ireland series, losing all four games of the provincial round robin was never going to be well received in the county.
In saying that, it was not completely unexpected. There was an acceptance after Liam Sheedy's departure last year that a period of transition was about to begin, one that could experience a number of growing pains as new players were brought into the fold.
That was probably in the minds of the county board when they handed Colm Bonnar a three-year term upon his appointment. However, he would be 'relieved of his duties' last week. It was confirmed last night that recently departed Waterford manager Liam Cahill will be his replacement.
Waterford manager Liam Cahill and Tipperary manager Colm Bonnar shake hands after the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 1 match. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
The way Tipperary handled the situation has been heavily criticised. Donal Óg Cusack called them out during the coverage of last weekend's All-Ireland final, while Eoin Larkin was equally critical.
Colm Bonnar's club criticise Tipperary over his departure
Colm Bonnar had long links to Tipperary, winning two All-Irelands and five Munster titles during a 12-year spell as a player at senior inter-county level. This made the cold way in which his exit was handed all the more bizarre.
His club Cashel King Cormacs have now come out to back their clubman, releasing a statement to confirm their 'disgust' at the way he has recently been treated.
The Cashel King Cormacs Executive Commitee wish to convey its utter disappointment with how the Tipperary County Management Committee in its own words, 'relieved of his duties' Colm Bonnar from his position as Manager of the Tipperary Senior Hurling Panel on Thursday July 14th...
When the opportunity to manage his native county came about in late 2021 he duly answered the call. It's worth pointing out that the general consensus on his appointment was that Tipperary Senior Hurling was entering a transitional period with time and patience the key components. This same point was reiterated at the 2021 Tipperary Board Convention.
Therefore it was with great disgust to learn on social media press release from the Tipperary County Board on Thursday July 14th, headlined by the line, 'Colm Bonnar relieved of his duties'.
We find the statement totally unacceptable towards a man that had, firstly, given everything as a player in the Blue and Gold and secondly, was clearly enthusiastic about entering into the second of his three year term mandated by the County Board. Colm had a clear vision towards developing the current player base into the future and presented this to a 15 person Management Committee.
Colm, we wish you well. We thank you for your distinguished service as a player and the short term you served as our Senior Hurling Manager. We look forward to seeing you back on the sidelines in the near future guiding and improving the hurling skills of whoever is fortunate to have you by their side.
Bonnar has long and successful career in coaching, meaning he will have no issue in finding another attractive position in the future.
However, his short spell in charge of his native county is sure to leave a sour taste in the mouth.
SEE ALSO: Cusack Slams 'Embarrassing' Disrespect For Clare And Wexford Legends
