John McIntyre has stepped down as manager of the Galway senior hurling team after three years at the helm. The Tipperary native succeeded Ger Loughnane in the winter of 2008 but failed to help the side progress beyond three successive All-Ireland quarter finals.
Last year was the highlight of his tenure as Galway collected a National League crown overcoming Cork in Thurles, before going on to reach the Leinster final where they were defeated by Kilkenny. They led eventual All-Ireland champions Tipperary by two points in the closing stages of the All-Ireland quarter final, but lost by the minimum for the second successive season.
2011 was a disappointing campaign as the side meekly exited both Leinster and All-Ireland Championships to Dublin and Waterford respectively. Speculation is mounting over his replacement, with victorious under 21 manager Anthony Cunningham publicly declaring his interest in the position.
