KEVIN Ryan has confirmed that he is to manage the University of Ulster Jordanstown hurlers for the coming season.
The Waterford native and current Antrim senior and U-21 manager is due to take up his new position when the new and existing students return next month.
He will already be familiar with many of the players as a result of his inter-county involvement in Ulster and is looking forward to the challenge
"It would be my intention to take the job because there are a lot of the players from both Antrim and Down who are at UUJ at the moment," he said.
"About 17 of the Antrim panel are already involved, there's also a few from Down as well and a couple from a number of the other Ulster counties.
"This is a great opporutnity to do some work with these players during the winter months and basically help their future development as hurlers.
"We have entered the Fitzgibbon Cup – that's a different class of hurling, but the lads can compete at that level for a year or two then it's going to be a massive benefit for the development of hurling not only in Antrim and Down, but also throughout Ulster.
"This is a challenge which I'm really looking forward to, and I suppose the fact that I'm already aware of most of the players who will be arriving at UUJ next month is good."
Ryan has already enjoyed a number of years of involvement with Ulster hurling, having, of course, guided Antrim U-21s to the All-Ireland final last year.
His appointment will be seen as a significant boost for UUJ as their efforts to make a mark on the hurling scene gather pace.
The Waterford native and current Antrim senior and U-21 manager is due to take up his new position when the new and existing students return next month.
He will already be familiar with many of the players as a result of his inter-county involvement in Ulster and is looking forward to the challenge
"It would be my intention to take the job because there are a lot of the players from both Antrim and Down who are at UUJ at the moment," he said.
"About 17 of the Antrim panel are already involved, there's also a few from Down as well and a couple from a number of the other Ulster counties.
"This is a great opporutnity to do some work with these players during the winter months and basically help their future development as hurlers.
"We have entered the Fitzgibbon Cup – that's a different class of hurling, but the lads can compete at that level for a year or two then it's going to be a massive benefit for the development of hurling not only in Antrim and Down, but also throughout Ulster.
"This is a challenge which I'm really looking forward to, and I suppose the fact that I'm already aware of most of the players who will be arriving at UUJ next month is good."
Ryan has already enjoyed a number of years of involvement with Ulster hurling, having, of course, guided Antrim U-21s to the All-Ireland final last year.
His appointment will be seen as a significant boost for UUJ as their efforts to make a mark on the hurling scene gather pace.