View source for Anthony Cunningham

{{Short description|Galway hurler; Gaelic football manager; hurling manager}}
{{otherpeople}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2014}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=April 2014}}
{{Infobox Gaelic games player
|image           = Anthony Cunningham cropped.jpg
|caption = 
|name            = Anthony Cunningham
|irish           = Antaine Ó Cuinneagáin
|nickname        =
|occupation      = Engineer
|birth_date      = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1965|6|16}}
|birth_place     = Peterswell, [[County Galway]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]
|feet            = 5
|inches          = 11
|sport           = Hurling
|code            = Hurling
|county          = Galway
|province        = Connacht
|club            = [[St Thomas' GAA|St Thomas']]
|clyears         =
|clposition      = Right wing-forward
|clapps(points)  =
|clcounty        = 0
|clprovince      =
|clallireland    =
|counties        = [[Galway county hurling team|Galway]]
|icyears         = 1984–1993
|icposition      = Right wing-forward
|icapps(points)  = 15 (3–19)
|icprovince      =
|icallireland    = 2
|nhl             = 1
|allstars        = 0
|clupdate        =
|icupdate        = 21:40, 4 September 2015
}}
'''Anthony Cunningham''' (born 16 June 1965) is a former [[Hurling|hurler]] who has since [[Manager (Gaelic games)|managed]] various [[Gaelic football]] and hurling teams. He was manager of the [[Galway county hurling team]] between 2011 and 2015 and of the [[Roscommon county football team]] between 2018 and 2022. He is the only manager to lead a [[Gaelic football|football]] team and a hurling team to provincial titles in two different provinces.<ref>{{cite news|first=Martin|last=Breheny|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/martin-breheny-cunningham-leaves-cody-frying-pan-only-to-land-into-gavin-fire-38329570.html|title=Cunningham leaves Cody frying pan only to land into Gavin fire|newspaper=[[Irish Independent]]|date=20 July 2019|quote=Perhaps, but Cunningham has already achieved more as a dual manager than anyone else, having steered the Galway hurlers to a Leinster title and Roscommon's footballers to Connacht success.}}</ref>

Born in Peterswell, [[County Galway]], Cunningham was raised in the south of the county. He was a two-time Connacht medallist at colleges level with Our Lady's College while also joining the [[St Thomas' GAA|St Thomas']] senior club team. Cunningham made his debut on the inter-county scene at the age of fifteen when he first linked up with the Galway minor team. An [[All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship|All-Ireland]]-winning captain in this grade, he later captained Galway to an [[All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship|All-Ireland]] title with the under-21 team. Cunningham joined the senior panel during the [[National Hurling League 1983-84|1983-84 league]]. He went on to play for Galway in attack during a successful era, and won two [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship|All-Ireland]] medals and one [[National Hurling League]] medal. He was an All-Ireland runner-up on four occasions. As a member of the [[Connacht GAA|Connacht]] inter-provincial team, Cunningham won four [[Railway Cup]] medals between 1986 and 1991. Throughout his inter-county career he made 15 championship appearances. Cunningham retired from inter-county hurling following the conclusion of the [[1993 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship|1993 championship]].

Acting as a coach of both hurling and [[Gaelic football]], Cunningham's first position as manager of the [[Roscommon GAA|Roscommon]] senior hurling team was an unsuccessful one. In 2006 he took charge of the [[St Brigid's GAA (Roscommon)|St Brigid's]] football team, guiding them to back-to-back [[Roscommon Senior Football Championship|championship]] titles. Cunningham later guided [[Garrycastle GAA|Garrycastle]] to an [[All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship|All-Ireland]] appearance having already secured a [[Leinster Senior Club Football Championship|Leinster]] title and three successive [[Westmeath Senior Football Championship|championship]] titles.

In 2009, Cunningham was back as an inter-county manager with the Galway under-21 hurling team. His tenure, which culminated in the winning of the [[All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship|All-Ireland]] title, led to Cunningham being appointed manager of the Galway senior team on 27 October 2011. He has since gone on to lead Galway to two All-Ireland final appearances and a [[Leinster Senior Hurling Championship|Leinster]] title. He was manager of the Galway senior team from 2011 to 2015.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/Galway/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=71467|title=Anthony Cunningham is back|magazine=Hogan Stand|date=7 August 1992|access-date=4 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/lifting-the-lid-on-the-pride-of-peterswell-206814.html|title=Lifting the lid on the pride of Peterswell|newspaper=Irish Examiner|date=7 September 2012|access-date=4 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/0409151242-cunningham-galways-golden-boy-turned-general/ |title=Galway's Golden boy turned General |publisher=GAA website |date=4 September 2015 |access-date=4 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117063956/https://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/0409151242-cunningham-galways-golden-boy-turned-general/ |archive-date=17 November 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/loyal-servant-back-with-his-first-love-1.595890|title=Loyal servant back with his first love|newspaper=Irish Times|date=10 September 2011|access-date=4 September 2015}}</ref>

==Playing career==
===Minor and under-21===
Cunningham first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the Galway minor hurling team as a sixteen-year-old in 1981. He made his debut that year as Galway reached the All-Ireland final for the first time in eight years. [[Kilkenny GAA|Kilkenny]] were the opponents and went on to win the game by 1–20 to 3–9.

Galway were back in a second successive All-Ireland minor decider again in 1982 as [[Tipperary GAA|Tipperary]] provided the opposition. A complete collapse by Galway resulted in a 2–7 to 0–4 defeat.

In 1983 Cunningham was in his final year on the minor team when he was appointed captain. Galway reached a third consecutive All-Ireland decider, this time with [[Dublin GAA|Dublin]] providing the opposition. A 0–10 to 0–7 victory spared Galway the unwanted distinction of losing three successive championship deciders, while it also gave Cunningham an [[All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship]] medal as captain.

Cunningham subsequently joined the Galway under-21 hurling team. After a few unsuccessful seasons he was appointed captain in his final year on the team in 1986. Galway qualified for the All-Ireland final that year with [[Wexford GAA|Wexford]] providing the opposition. A 1–14 to 2–5 victory gave Galway the title and gave Cunningham an [[All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship|All-Ireland]] medal in the under-21 grade.

===Senior===
Cunningham made his senior debut for Galway in a [[National Hurling League]] game against Tipperary in 1984 and immediately became a regular member of the starting fifteen. In spite of an indifferent league campaign during the [[National Hurling League 1984-85|1984–85 season]], Galway subsequently qualified for the All-Ireland final against [[Offaly GAA|Offaly]]. Cunningham came on as a substitute in that game, however, Offaly won by 2–11 to 1–12.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/galway-aim-to-avoid-a-not-so-magnificent-7-3195071.html|title=Galway aim to avoid a not so magnificent 7|date=9 August 2012|newspaper=Irish Independent|access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref>

In 1986 Galway qualified for a second successive All-Ireland decider, this time with Cunningham as a member of the starting fifteen. The men from the west were the red-hot favourites against an ageing [[Cork GAA|Cork]] team, however, on the day a different story unfolded. Four Cork goals, one from [[John Fenton (hurler)|John Fenton]], two from [[Tomás Mulcahy]] and one from [[Kevin Hennessy]], stymied the Galway attack and helped 'the Rebels' to a 4–13 to 2–15 victory.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}

Cunningham had his first senior success with Galway in 1987 when he won a National League winners' medal following a two-point defeat of [[Clare GAA|Clare]]. For the third year-in-a-row Galway reached the All-Ireland final. The prospect of becoming the first team to lose three consecutive championship deciders weighed heavily on the Galway team as Kilkenny provided the opposition. The game was not a classic by any standard and [[Noel Lane (Galway hurler)|Noel Lane]] got a key goal for Galway nine minutes before the end. A 1–12 to 0–9 victory gave Cunningham his first [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship|All-Ireland]] winners' medal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/sport/gaelic-games/kilkenny-v-galway-a-little-bit-of-this-a-little-bit-of-that-on-the-final-1-4222158|title=Kilkenny V Galway: A little bit of this, a little bit of that on the final|date=6 September 2012|newspaper=Kilkenny People|access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref>

Galway reached a fourth successive All-Ireland final in 1988 and were presented with the chance of becoming the first Galway team to retain the title. Tipperary provided the opposition. Noel Lane again scored a crucial goal for Galway, while [[Nicky English]] sent a late Tipp penalty over the bar for a point. A 1–15 to 0–14 scoreline resulted in victory for Galway and a second All-Ireland winners' medal for Cunningham.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}

A third successive All-Ireland title proved beyond Galway,{{or-inline|date=May 2025}} however, the team bounced back and reached the championship decider again in 1990. Cork were the opponents, however, Galway were the favourites.{{fact|date=May 2025}} Shortly after half-time, Galway were up by seven points. Tomás Mulcahy, however, scored a crucial goal that revitalised the Cork attack. The final score of 5–15 to 2–21 gave Cork the victory and a third All-Ireland final defeat for Cunningham.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/kfcwsngbqlid/rss2/|title=Classic final: 1990: Cork 5–15 Galway 2–21|date=3 September 2010|newspaper=Irish Examiner|access-date=25 October 2012|first=Jim|last=O'Sullivan}}</ref>

Following this defeat, Cunningham fell out of favour with some Galway selectors.{{fact|date=May 2025}} He remained on the panel for another few years and was an unused substitute when Kilkenny defeated Galway in the 1993 All-Ireland decider. He retired from inter-county hurling following this defeat.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}

===Inter-provincial===
Cunningham also lined out with [[Connacht GAA|Connact]] in the inter-provincial championship. He won his first [[Railway Cup]] medal in 1986 as Connacht defeated [[Munster GAA|Munster]] by 3–11 to 0–11.

Connacht made it two-in-a-row in 1987, with Cunningham collecting a second Railway Cup medal following a 2–14 to 1–14 defeat of [[Leinster GAA|Leinster]].

After defeat in 1988, Connacht returned to the final again the following year. A thrilling 4–16 to 3–17 defeat of Munster gave Cunningham a third Railway Cup medal.

No championship took place in 1990, however, Connacht were back in a sixth final in seven years in 1991. Cunningham was once again on the team, and he collected a fourth Railway Cup medal following a 1–13 to 0–12 defeat of Munster.

==Managerial career==
===Roscommon (hurling)===
Cunningham took over as manager of the [[Roscommon county hurling team]] in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/Roscommon/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=25339|title=Cunningham gears up for first game|date=26 February 2004|work=Hogan Stand website|access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref> He enjoyed little success in his first season with 'the Rossies' making little progress in the [[All-Ireland Senior B Hurling Championship|'B' championship]].

In 2005, Roscommon contested the newly established [[Christy Ring Cup]]. After losing three of their group stage games, Cunningham's side faced a relegation battle which they just about survived.

===St Brigid's===
After guiding the [[St Brigid's GAA (Roscommon)|St Brigid's]] under-21 football team to the championship title in 2005, Cunningham was appointed manager of the club's senior team in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/Roscommon/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=55267|title=Cunningham is new St. Brigid's boss|date=13 January 2006|work=Hogan Stand website|access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref> The pressure was on for Cunningham in his debut season, as St Brigid's were already the reigning county champions. A 1–7 to 1–5 defeat of [[St Faithleach's GAA|St Faithleach's]] in the 2007 decider secured a second successive championship for St Brigid's.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/Roscommon/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=67459|title=St. Brigid's win again in Roscommon|date=9 October 2006|work=Hogan Stand website|access-date=26 October 2012}}</ref> Cunningham's side later claimed the [[Connacht Senior Club Football Championship|Connacht]] title following a one-point defeat of [[Corofin GAA (County Galway)|Corofin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/mannions-golden-goal-puts-brigids-in-raptures-70522.html|title=Mannion's golden goal puts Brigid's in raptures|date=27 November 2006|work=Irish Independent|access-date=26 October 2012|first=Martin|last=Breheny}}</ref>

In 2007, Cunningham's side made it three county championships-in-a-row following another defeat of St Faithleach's.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.longfordleader.ie/sport/st-faithleach-s-second-best-again-as-st-brigid-s-power-to-three-in-a-row-1-1948724 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217182558/http://www.longfordleader.ie/sport/st-faithleach-s-second-best-again-as-st-brigid-s-power-to-three-in-a-row-1-1948724 |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 February 2013 |title=St Faithleach's second best again as St Brigid's power to three-in-a-row |date=3 October 2007 |work=Longford Leader |access-date=26 October 2012 }}</ref>

Four-in-a-row proved beyond St Brigid's and Cunningham stepped down as manager in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/Roscommon/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=104161|title=Cunningham goes out on high|date=27 November 2008|work=Hogan Stand website|access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref>

===Garrycastle===
Following his successful stint with St Brigid's, Cunningham was appointed manager of the [[Garrycastle GAA|Garrycastle]] senior football team in early 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/Westmeath/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=105748|title=Cunningham to take charge of Garrycastle|date=16 January 2009|work=Hogan Stand website|access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref> Once again success was immediate. In his debut season Cunningham guided Garrycastle to the [[Westmeath Senior Football Championship|county championship]] title following a 3–8 to 0–6 defeat of [[St. Loman's Mullingar GAA|St. Loman's]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westmeathindependent.ie/sport/matchreports/articles/2009/10/08/391859-garrycastle-always-in-control/print|title=Garrycastle always in control|date=8 October 2009|work=The Westmeath Independent|access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref>

Cunningham guided Garrycastle to a second successive county championship in 2010 following a 2–9 to 1–8 defeat of [[Mullingar Shamrocks]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westmeathindependent.ie/sport/roundup/articles/2010/10/06/4000591-dolan-and-dillon-goals-help-garrycastle-to-claim-fifth-county-title/print|title=Dolan and Dillon goals help Garrycastle to claim fifth county title|date=6 October 2010|work=The Westmeath Independent|access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref>

The success continued for Cunningham's side once again in 2011. A 1–9 to 0–9 defeat of Mullingar Shamrocks after a draw and a replay gave Garrycastle an historic third championship title in succession.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/dolan-deadly-as-garrycastle-seal-historic-hattrick-2914619.html|title=Dolan deadly as Garrycastle seal historic hat-trick|date=24 October 2011|work=Irish Independent|access-date=27 October 2012}}</ref> Garrycastle later secured the [[Leinster Senior Club Football Championship|Leinster]] title following a narrow 1–8 to 0–10 defeat of Dublin's [[Saint Brigids GAA|St. Brigid's]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/1219/1224309256479.html|title=Garrycastle hold off St Brigid's surge in dramatic finish|date=19 December 2011|work=Irish Times|access-date=27 October 2012|first=Malachy|last=Clerkin}}</ref> After three years at the helm, Cunningham finally guided Garrycastle to the All-Ireland final. [[Crossmaglen Rangers]] were the opponents and a 0–15 to 1–12 draw was the result.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0319/1224313526557.html|title=Garrycastle relieved to get another shot|date=19 March 2012|work=Irish Times|access-date=27 October 2012}}</ref> In spite of leading by four points in the first game, Cunningham's side were comprehensively defeated by 2–19 to 1–7 in the replay.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0402/1224314232655.html|title=Crossmaglen take their second chance|date=2 April 2012|work=Irish Times|access-date=27 October 2012}}</ref>

===Galway (hurling)===
====Under-21====
In March 2009, Cunningham was appointed manager of the Galway under-21 hurling team for a two-year term.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/Galway/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=108793|title=Cunningham takes Galway under 21 reins|date=21 March 2009|work=Hogan Stand website|access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref> After exiting the championship at the first hurdle in 2009, Cunningham guided Galway to the All-Ireland decider the following year. Tipperary were the opponents and went on to trounce Galway by 5–22 to 0–12.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0913/1224278758256.html|title=Tipperary crown an outstanding week|newspaper=Irish Times|date=13 September 2010|access-date=7 June 2011}}</ref>

In late 2010, Cunningham was re-appointed manager for a further two-year term.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/westmeath/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=138304|title=Cunningham is new U21 Galway boss|date=11 November 2010|work=Hogan Stand website|access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref> In third season Cunningham guided Galway to a second successive All-Ireland final, this time with [[Dublin GAA|Dublin]] providing the opposition. A 3–14 to 1–10 victory gave Galway their tenth [[All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship|All-Ireland]] title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2011/0910/284654-galwayu21/|title=Galway U-21 3–14 Dublin U-21 1–10|date=10 September 2011|work=RTÉ Sport|access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref>

===Senior===
On 27 October 2011, Cunningham was appointed as the Galway senior hurling manager.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2011/1027/cunninghama_galway.html |title=Cunningham confirmed as new Galway boss |date=27 October 2011 |work=RTÉ Sport |access-date=28 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130043834/http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2011/1027/cunninghama_galway.html |archive-date=30 November 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/cunningham-officially-on-board-as-new-galway-boss-526110.html|title=Cunningham officially on board as new Galway boss|date= 27 October 2011|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=28 November 2011}}</ref>
In November 2011 Cunningham dropped one third of the team which featured against [[Waterford GAA|Waterford]] in the 2011 All-Ireland SHC quarter-final defeat from his 37-man training squad for the 2012 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/Galway/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=158207|title=Cunningham wields the axe|date= 21 November 2011|work=Hoganstand.com|access-date=28 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/46830/cunningham-focuses-on-youth|title=Cunningham focuses on youth|date= 24 November 2011|work=Advertiser.ie|access-date=28 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoganstand.com/Galway/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=158427|title=Cunningham pays tribute to axed duo|date= 25 November 2011|work=Hoganstand.com|access-date=28 November 2011}}</ref>

In his first season as manager he guided Galway to win their first ever [[2012 Leinster Senior Hurling Championship Final|Leinster Hurling Championship]] against [[Kilkenny GAA|Kilkenny]] and all the way to the [[2012 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final]], in which Kilkenny defeated them after a replay.<ref name=breheny_independent>{{cite news|first=Martin|last=Breheny|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/shock-and-awe-in-leinster-3161826.html|title=Shock and awe in Leinster|work=Irish Independent|date=9 July 2012|access-date=9 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2012/1001/339837-shefflin/|title=Henry Shefflin pays tribute to Kilkenny team after record ninth All-Ireland medal|work=RTÉ Sport|date=1 October 2012|access-date=1 October 2012}}</ref>

2013 proved to be more difficult for Anthony Cunningham. He maintained Galway's top flight status in Division 1A of the Allianz Hurling League with wins over Kilkenny and Waterford and a draw against Cork. This was followed by a League semi-final defeat, in which Kilkenny easily defeated Galway on a scoreline of 1–24 to 1–17. However, questions were raised of Galway's over-reliance on Joe Canning for scores.

Galway opened their 2013 Championship campaign against hurling minnows Laois, where they won on a scoreline of 2–17 to 1–13.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2013/0616/456927-laois-v-galway/|title=Galway emerge with victory as Laois tire|work=RTÉ Sport|date=16 June 2013|access-date=18 March 2014}}</ref> This was followed by a comprehensive defeat at the hands of Dublin in the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship Final.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2013/0707/461064-dublin-galway/|title=Deadly Dublin claim Leinster title|work=RTÉ Sport|date=7 July 2013|access-date=18 March 2014}}</ref> Following the defeat questions were raised over Anthony Cunningham's team selections over the year, most notably from former Galway hurler Sylvie Linnane, who raised questions over the inconsistent selection of the backs.<ref>{{cite news|first=Eoghan|last=Cormican|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/stalwart-linnane-livid-over-galways-lack-of-defensive-clarity-238028.html|title=Stalwart Linnane livid over Galway's lack of defensive clarity|work=Irish Examiner|date=26 July 2013|access-date=18 March 2014}}</ref> Both Tony Óg Regan and Niall Donoghue, both of whom gained an All Star nomination for their performances the previous year, were not selected for the game against Dublin. As a result of the defeat, Galway were drawn against Clare in the All Ireland Quarter-final. Another disappointing defeat followed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/youthful-clare-overcome-galway-to-set-up-allmunster-semi-29454662.html|title=Youthful Clare overcome Galway to set up All-Munster semi|newspaper=[[Irish Independent]]|date=28 July 2013|access-date=18 March 2014}}</ref> Again, the selection of the team drew the attention of pundits, as a total of six changes were made from the previous outing.

Cunningham subsequently came under pressure as Galway senior hurling manager. However, on 3 November 2013 it was confirmed that Cunningham would continue as manager and bring on-board new members of his backroom team; former Galway hurler and All-Star, Eugene Cloonon, along with GMIT GAA officer Damien Curley.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/eugene-cloonan-and-damien-curley-ratified-as-galway-selectors-29725803.html|title=Eugene Cloonan and Damien Curley ratified as Galway selectors|newspaper=[[Irish Independent]]|date=4 November 2013|access-date=18 March 2014}}</ref>

Cunningham's three-year term ended when Galway were knocked out of the [[2014 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship|All-Ireland qualifiers]] by [[Tipperary GAA|Tipperary]] on 5 July 2014 and he had to apply and be nominated when the position was thrown open again. Cunningham was eventually appointed for another two years in October 2014.
He will be aided by a backroom team of Pat Malone, Damien Curley and [[Eugene Cloonan]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.joe.ie/gaa/anthony-cunningham-to-continue-as-galway-hurling-boss-for-another-two-seasons/468356|title= Anthony Cunningham to continue as Galway hurling boss for another two seasons|date=3 October 2014 |work=Joe.ie|access-date=10 October 2014}}</ref>	
<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/cunningham-id-no-issue-reapplying-for-tribe-job-30634150.html|title= Cunningham: I'd no issue re-applying for Tribe job|date=3 October 2014 |work=Irish Independent|access-date=10 October 2014}}</ref>

On 16 August 2015 Galway reached the [[2015 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final]] after defeating [[Tipperary GAA|Tipperary]] in the semi-final.
<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/supersub-shane-moloney-the-hero-as-galway-down-tipp-31455682.html|title= Supersub Shane Moloney the hero as Galway down Tipp|date=17 August 2015|work=Irish Independent|access-date=19 August 2015}}</ref>
Galway went on to lose the final on 6 September to [[Kilkenny GAA|Kilkenny]] by four points. It was confirmed on 28 September 2015, that Cunningham would remain in charge in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the42.ie/anthony-cunnigham-galway-2356896-Sep2015/|title= It seems Anthony Cunningham is determined to deliver All-Ireland success to Galway|date=27 September 2015|work=The 42|access-date=29 September 2015}}</ref>
In early October 2015, reports emerged that the Galway players had put forward a vote of no confidence in him with Cunningham stating that he was keen to remain in charge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/hurling/anthony-cunningham-keen-to-stay-on-357550.html|title= Anthony Cunningham keen to stay on|date=5 October 2015|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=7 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/hurling/galway-board-hoping-backroom-reshuffle-will-appease-players-357958.html|title= Galway board hoping backroom reshuffle will appease players|date=7 October 2015|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=7 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/hurling/galway-chiefs-battle-to-solve-anthony-cunningham-impasse-357728.html|title= Galway chiefs battle to solve Anthony Cunningham impasse|date=6 October 2015|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=7 October 2015}}</ref>
GAA officials in Galway were seeking to appoint a mediator in a bid to resolve the dispute.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/galway-gaa-chiefs-look-to-mediator-to-solve-hurling-crisis-31611832.html|title= Galway GAA chiefs look to mediator to solve hurling crisis|date=15 October 2015|work=Irish Independent|access-date=16 October 2015}}</ref>
On 16 November 2015 Cunningham stepped down as Galway hurling manager after many players voted to oust him as manager.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2015/1116/742331-galway-latest/|title=Cunningham steps down as Galway manager|date=16 November 2015|work=RTÉ Sport|access-date=16 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/inevitable-end-as-cunningham-fires-hard-parting-shot-34206776.html|title=Inevitable end as Cunningham fires hard parting shot|date=17 November 2015|work=Irish Independent|access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref>

===Roscommon (football)===
On 9 November 2018, Cunningham was appointed manager of the [[Roscommon county football team]] on a two-year deal with an option of a third year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/anthony-cunningham-ratified-as-new-roscommon-manager-1.3692631|title=Anthony Cunningham ratified as new Roscommon manager: Former Galway hurling manager replaces Kevin McStay who stepped down|work=The Irish Times|first=Eamon|last=Donoghue|date=9 November 2018}}</ref> In June 2019, Cunningham created history by leading Roscommon to victory over [[Galway county football team|Galway]] in the [[Connacht Senior Football Championship]] final.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Sweeney|first=Peter|date=2019-06-16|title=Roscommon comeback to land Connacht title at Salthill|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2019/0616/1055604-roscommon-comeback-to-land-connacht-title-at-salthill/|language=en}}</ref> In doing so, Cunningham became the first manager to win provincial titles in both football and hurling, in different provinces.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.todayfm.com/sport/anthony-cunningham-871707|title=Anthony Cunningham leads Roscommon to historic Connacht title|last=Malone|first=Thom|website=TodayFM|access-date=2019-06-17}}</ref>

His departure as Roscommon senior manager was confirmed in August 2022.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hoganstand.com/Article/Index/324492|title=Cunningham steps down in Roscommon|work=Hogan Stand|date=3 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2022/0803/1313680-cunningham-steps-away-from-roscommon-role/|title=Cunningham steps away from Roscommon role|publisher=RTÉ|date=3 August 2022}}</ref>

==Honours==
===Player===
;Galway
*[[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship]] (2): [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1987|1987]], [[All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1988|1988]]
*[[National Hurling League]] (2): [[1986-87 National Hurling League|1986-87]], [[1988-89 National Hurling League|1988-89]]
*[[All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship]] (1): 1986 (c)
*[[All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship]] (1): 1983

==References==
{{Commons category}}
{{reflist}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-ach|achievements}}
{{succession box
| before=[[John Kennedy (hurler)|John Kennedy]]<br>([[Tipperary county hurling team|Tipperary]])
| title=[[All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship|All-Ireland MHC]]<br>winning [[Captain (Gaelic games)|captain]]
| years=1983
| after=[[Anthony O'Riordan]]<br>([[Limerick county hurling team|Limerick]])
}}
{{succession box|
| before=[[Michael Scully (hurler)|Michael Scully]]<br>([[Tipperary county hurling team|Tipperary]])
| title=[[All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship|All-Ireland Under-21 HC]]<br>winning [[Captain (Gaelic games)|captain]]
| years=[[1986 All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship|1986]]
| after=[[Gussie Ryan]]<br>([[Limerick county hurling team|Limerick]])
}}
{{s-sports}} 
{{succession box
| before=[[Brian McDonnell]]
| title=[[List of Roscommon county hurling team managers|Roscommon Senior Hurling Manager]]
| years=2004–2005
| after=[[Michael Conneely]]
}}
{{succession box
| before=[[Vincent Mullins]]
| title=[[Galway GAA|Galway Under-21 Hurling Manager]]
| years=2009–2012
| after=Johnny Kelly
}}
{{succession box
| before=[[John McIntyre (hurler)|John McIntyre]]
| title=[[List of Galway county hurling team managers|Galway Senior Hurling Manager]]
| years=2011–2015
| after=[[Micheál Donoghue]]
}}
{{succession box
| before=[[Kevin McStay]]
| title=[[List of Roscommon county football team managers|Roscommon Senior Football Manager]]
| years=2018–2022
| after=[[Davy Burke]]
}}
{{s-end}}

{{Navboxes
|title=Anthony Cunningham navigation boxes
|bg=
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|list1=
{{Galway Hurling Team 1983}}
{{Galway Hurling Team 1985}}
{{Galway Hurling Team 1986}}
{{Galway Hurling Team 1987}}
{{Galway Hurling Team 1988}}
{{Galway Hurling Team 1990}}
{{Galway Hurling Team 1993}}
{{Galway Under-21 Hurling Team 2010}}
{{Galway Under-21 Hurling Team 2011}}
{{Galway Hurling Team 2012}}
{{Galway Intermediate Hurling Team 2015}}
{{Galway Hurling Team 2015}}
{{Roscommon county hurling team managers}}
{{Galway county hurling team managers}}
{{Roscommon county football team managers}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cunningham, Anthony}}
[[Category:1965 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship winners]]
[[Category:Engineers from County Galway]]
[[Category:Gaelic football managers]]
[[Category:Connacht inter-provincial hurlers]]
[[Category:Galway inter-county hurlers]]
[[Category:Hurling managers]]
[[Category:Irish engineers]]
[[category:Roscommon county football team non-playing personnel]]
[[Category:St Thomas' hurlers]]
[[Category:20th-century Irish engineers]]
[[Category:20th-century Irish sportsmen]]
[[Category:21st-century Irish engineers]]