Diarmuid O'Sullivan has paid tribute to outgoing Cork senior hurling manager Kieran Kingston while taking aim at his critics.
Kingston informed the Cork county board of his decision not to return to his post for the 2023 season after five seasons managing the Rebels' hurlers in total.
He initially managed the hurlers in the 2016 and 2017 seasons before returning to the role in 2020 and managing the side up until this year's Championship exit against Galway.
READ MORE: Kieran Kingston steps down as Cork manager
The Cork team and management had come in for some extensive criticism earlier this year given the way results were shaping up, with last year's All-Ireland final appearance a distant memory for some.
But Cork hurling legend Diarmuid O'Sullivan - who served in Kingston's backroom team - was quick to defend the outgoing Rebels boss.
Taking to Twitter, he said: "Incredibly proud to stand with Kieran over the last 3 years.
"Thank you for everything and staying true to your vision.
"Scrutinised to the extreme by those who wore red, stood on the line as red so they could remain relevant through various media outlets.
"When they walk the walk!!"
Cork's county board released a statement confirming Kingston's departure.
It read: "All in Cork GAA wish to sincerely acknowledge Kieran’s years of dedication across a whole range of positions, including the roles of player, selector, coach and of course, manager.
"Having initially served as selector (2012-2013) and coach (2014) under Jimmy Barry-Murphy, Kieran was appointed manager for the 2016 and 2017 seasons, before returning in the same role for three further years, from 2020 to 2022.
"Over that time, he has been present on the line, as selector and manager in 2013 and 2021, respectively, for Cork’s only two All Ireland Senior Final appearances of the last sixteen years.
"He also coached and managed the team to Munster success in 2014 and 2017, respectively.
"The incredible contribution of Kieran’s backroom team over the past three years is also acknowledged and while the success that all deserved may not have followed, they can hold their heads high, knowing that they served their County well."
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