By Michael McMullan

ANTRIM must begin the search for a new senior hurling manager after news of Darren Gleeson’s decision to step down.

The Tipperary All-Ireland winning goalkeeper has stepped down after five seasons in the post.

Gleeson steered the Saffrons to two Joe McDonagh titles during a tenure that saw the county’s standards raised to a level where they were regularly asking questions of the top sides in Division One of the NHL.

The news came just hours after Clare lifted the All-Ireland hurling title in Croke Park.

Gleeson’s name will now be linked to the vacant Galway and Dublin posts following a statement that indicates he will continue his “hurling journey”.

“When I first made the journey in the Spring of 2018 to help with a few sessions, little did I think that I would still be there in 2024,” Gleeson said in a statement issued on Monday morning,

“To Naoibh, Caoimhe, Sean and Padraic, Mam and Dad, Flan and Una and our families, I thank you for your unwavering support during my tenure. The journey would not have been possible without you and our friends.

“To the Antrim County Board that appointed me, Neal Peden who gave me the opportunity and Gary O’Kane who made that first phone call, I thank you and will be forever grateful. To the Board and their officers that I have worked with, I thank you for your support.

“To the backroom team, your professionalism, knowledge and desire to improve Antrim hurling has been a joy to lead and I thank you for all you have done. Too many to name, but your dedication has helped rise the tide of Antrim hurling.

“To my management team of Johnny Campbell, Gary O’Kane, Jim Close, Clinton Hennessey and Justin McCormick, I thank you for your support, loyalty and friendship. What you have given to help raise the standards of Antrim hurling has been incredible. Your families, clubs and county should be so proud of your efforts.

“To the players of Antrim who set out with the goal of putting Antrim back to the top table of inter-county hurling, we have achieved that through your hard work, dedication and commitment.

“From day one we have been an extremely ambitious group who have taken great pride in representing Antrim, backed by your clubs and families and I know how proud they are of you and your achievements. Winning two Joe McDonagh Cups in 2020 & 2022, winning the National Hurling League Division 2 in 2020, and being ever present in Division 1 since, and with Antrim’s place in the 2025 LHSC secured, a huge opportunity lays ahead for this group and I wish you well.

“I would like to thank the following supporters and sponsors of Antrim, Dominic Kearns and Fibrus, Tony Shivers and Premier Electrics, Tony & Declan Donnelly and Northern Property, Creagh Concrete and the McKeague Family and FonaCab for their support to me and Antrim GAA.

“To Tony Shivers, your ambition, drive and passion for Antrim GAA has been paramount in our success. I thank you for all you have done and your friendship. To you and your committee at the Saffron Business Forum, your work has been transformative for Antrim, and I wish you well for the future.

“To the committees and supporters of Club Aontroma and Casement Park Social Club, I thank you for backing this wonderful team at every opportunity.

“To the clubs of Antrim, thank you for nurturing and supplying the players to the county. You should be immensely proud of them and what they have achieved to date. For the Minor and U20 management teams, who are working so hard to bring the county forward, I thank you for your support and co-operation during my tenure.

“To the loyal Antrim hurling public, I look forward to meeting you around the playing pitches of Ireland as you continue to support this great county of yours and I continue my hurling journey.”