"Joe and his management team have put in tremendous work"- Kildare GAA thank departing Quaid for delivering hurling success

Kildare GAA have confirmed the departure of Christy Ring Cup winning manager Joe Quaid following the end of his three-year term in charge of the Lilywhites.

KildareNow broke the news earlier on Wednesday that Quaid would be taking over the Westmeath senior team, which was followed by a Kildare GAA statement thanking the Limerick native for his time with the county.

“Kildare GAA wish to confirm that Joe Quaid has decided that he will not be seeking a second term as the Kildare Senior Hurling Manager. Joe and his management team have put in tremendous work and commitment over the last 3 years and won the Christy Ring Cup this year. We sincerely thank him for all that he brought to Kildare GAA during his time and wish him all the best for the future,” read the statement.

Quaid has enjoyed three good years with the Lilywhites since being taken on as manager in 2015. The Limerick native managed to keep Kildare in Division 2A in his first two years in charge, while the focus turned to the championship in year three and they duly won the Christy Ring Cup under his stewardship.

Quaid told the Kildare Post just a few weeks ago that he had yet to be contacted by anyone from the Kildare county board in regard to staying on, though he did not indicate whether or not he would have been happy to remain in the position if he were to be asked at that point.

It is understood that the county board were allowing Quaid time to consider his options, and they are due to meet tonight (Thursday) to discuss the establishment of a committee to appoint a successor should he take the Westmeath job. Discussions have taken place between Quaid and the Kildare county board, but it appears he will be on his way following the recent successful campaign.

After winning the Christy Ring Cup, the former Limerick netminder was always likely to be linked with roles in the counties a tier above Kildare.

An official from Westmeath confirmed to KildareNow that Quaid was one of seven candidates to be interviewed for the job that was vacated by Michael Ryan this summer. He was the only name on the shortlist with intercounty management experience however, and officials in Westmeath have been impressed by the job he has done in Kildare.

Two of the other candidates were club managers from within Westmeath, while another was a high profile All-Ireland winning club manager who is now out of the running as it appears he will be taking the reins of a county in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.

Quaid’s commitment to building Kildare hurling by using players from within the county rather than turning to permit players has impressed those making the decision in Westmeath. He promoted numerous young players from underage teams in the past two years, and he has certainly left Kildare hurling in a good place if he is to leave.

Westmeath is an attractive job for any manager looking to build their stock however. The Lake County side finished top of Division 2A in 2018 but lost out on a place in Division 1B after losing to Carlow in the league final. They also made it to the final of the Joe McDonogh Cup this year, losing to Carlow once again in the decider. They will be one of the favourites for league promotion and to win the Joe McDonogh Cup next year.

Focus will now turn to seeking a successor to take over a team that has plenty of emerging talent and will be looking to bounce up from Division 2B in the National League next spring.