Gleeson steps down from Antrim role
Former Tipperary goalkeeper Darren Gleeson from Portroe has announced he has stepped down as manager of the Antrim senior hurlers.
Gleeson, a two time All-Ireland winner, replaced Neal Peden in 2019 and led Antrim to two Joe McDonagh Cups and an Allianz Hurling League Division 2 title while he also secured their place in next year's Leinster SHC.
“We express our sincere gratitude to Darren for his unwavering dedication, passion, and hard work,” said Antrim GAA Chairperson Séamus McMullan.
“His commitment has not only brought success on the field but also inspired a renewed sense of pride and optimism within Antrim GAA and its hurling community in particular.
“Darren's tenure has marked a transformative period for Antrim hurling and we are deeply thankful to him and his management team for the new levels of excellence they have instilled in our players and our entire organisation.
“We wish Darren and his family all the best in the future and look forward to building on the solid foundation he has laid for Antrim hurling.”
Speaking of his departure Gleeson said: “It is a position that I have held with the utmost pride since the autumn of 2019. 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. For this to have happened there are a lot of people I need to thank.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”