Lord of the Dance
Twomey opens up about management strain with Cork
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Twomey opens up about management strain with Cork

Former Cork senior Camogie team manager Matthew Twomey has admitted that the decision to step down from his role came because of how challenging the role was this year.

Twomey announced his decision to step down from the role just weeks after guiding the Rebels to All-Ireland senior glory this year. It has been reported that Twomey informed the county board of his decision to leave on Monday night.

The Cork native took over the inter-county team in 2021 and had a challenging campaign in 2022, which resulted in losses in the league and All-Ireland finals during his first and second seasons. However, he managed to turn things around and led the team to victory in the O'Duffy Cup this year.

Speaking to RTÉ 2fm's Game On a number of days after stepping down, he added that on a sporting side, it was hard, but on a personal level, it was the opposite.

"Originally, I got the two-year term, and my thought process was to see out the two years," he said.

"I've been managing for two years, but I've been involved in the background for another four years as well on top of it.

"When I make a decision to get involved in something, I know myself there are a lot of sacrifices there.

"It was a very hard decision in a sporting sense. I'm leaving probably the most lethal team I've ever been involved with. That side of things was hard, but on a personal level, it was an easy decision to make."

Twomey added that the sacrifices made during the year were a driving factor in his departure as well, "You have to miss out on stuff, but unfortunately, that affects everyone around you as well. I was putting pressure on myself here, with my kids and all that.

"Paudie Murray lasted ten years; I don't know how he did it. And he kept all his hair as well - that was my problem!

"There was one day I was on the phone from quarter past six to quarter past 12. There were 23 calls trying to sort out stuff. That kind of stuff is taxing, especially when it's very avoidable.

"They're the sore parts of it, but going training, the matches, the excitement, and all that is off the wall. It's the extra stuff people don't see or realize; it's very taxing.

"I just found it very, very hard, especially this year."

Cork are now searching for a suitable replacement for their former manager.