Gerry O'Connor has stepped down as joint-manager of the Clare hurling team after three years.

The Killanena man has confirmed to the Clare Echo that he's informed Clare's County Board in recent days of his decision, amid recent speculation that he and Donal Moloney would be remaining in charge for a fourth season.

O'Connor has urged the banner to stick with Moloney for another year and thanked the players, fans and the county board for their support.

The duo succeeded Davy Fitzgerald in 2016 after leading the county to three successive All-Ireland and Munster crowns at under-21 level and also landing provincial minor titles.

Clare failed to advance from the Munster Senior Hurling Championship this summer, missing out on scoring difference - despite defeating reigning champions Cork in the last round of the games in the round-robin section.

The players have expressed their thanks to O'Connor and wished him well in the future.

"We would like to thank Gerry for his contribution to the @ClareSenHurlers over the past 3 years and we wish him the best for the future."

We would like to thank Gerry for his contribution to the @ClareSenHurlers over the past 3 years and we wish him the best for the future. https://t.co/FvKo4SpjCI

— Clare Senior Hurlers (@ClareSenHurlers) September 4, 2019