in 2017. Waterford Ryan was ratified as manager of the Waterford senior hurling team on 17 October 2011. From the start Ryan was under severe pressure as Waterford failed to pick up any points from their opening three games of the National League. In spite of this Waterford preserved their top flight status and avoided a relegation battle. The subsequent championship campaign saw Waterford reach a third successive Munster final, however, they were defeated by Tipperary. Ryan's side exited the championship at the next stage following a defeat by Cork in the All-Ireland quarter-final. Waterford enjoyed a very good league campaign in 2013 beating Clare in Ennis in round one and then drawing with Cork in Dungarvan, they were then narrowly beaten by Kilkenny in Nolan Park. In round four they defeated Tipperary in a thriller in Walsh Park before losing to Galway by three points in Round five, they comfortably retained their league one status. In the championship Waterford led Clare by four points at half time but hit a succession of wides as Clare ran out winners on the way to winning the All Ireland title. In the qualifiers Waterford defeated Offaly in Tullamore and Westmeath in Mullingar before facing Kilkenny in round three in Semple Stadium. This thrilling game ended in a draw, Waterfords best result in a championship v kilkenny since 1959 however Kilkenny were narrow victors after extra time. On 12 August 2013, Ryan, unhappy with some events that happened behind the scenes stepped down as manager, making it known to the county board that he would not be looking to extend his tenure for the 2014 season. Westmeath In October 2014, Ryan was confirmed as the new manager of the Westmeath hurling team. Career statistics Manager References 1955 births Living people Fourmilewater hurlers The Nire Gaelic footballers Hurling managers Irish twins Twin sportspeople Waterford Gaelic footballers Waterford hurlers