*Brian O’Connell. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
BRIAN O’Connell and Dermot Coughlan are stepping down as managers of the Clare minor hurlers and footballers.
Outgoing minor football manager Coughlan confirmed to this week’s meeting of the County Board that he will not be continuing in the role.
Presenting a detailed report he told the delegates that he had informed the executive at the start of the year that this would be his last in this role.
Many tributes were paid to him on his detailed report and on his work in the role over a number of years. Board officer Joe Garry, Michael O’Regan (Ruan), John Brew (Kilmurry Ibrickane), Eamonn Finnucane (Lissycasey) and Seamus O’Reilly (Clondegad) were amongst those to pay tribute to the Kilmurry Ibrickane clubman along with Head of Operations Deirdre Murphy.
Coughlan spent six years as county minor football manager with Clare reaching the provincial final in 2020. His outgoing management included Joe Hayes, Pat McMahon, TJ Carey and Martin Cahill with Peter O’Dwyer, Dermot O’Mahoney, Derry O’Donoghue and Derek Morris in the backroom team.
While no announcement was made at Tuesday’s meeting, ex Clare captain Brian O’Connell is not staying on as county minor hurling manager.
O’Connell had a fruitful three year tenure as minor manager, the highlight being Clare’s 2023 All-Ireland and Munster winning campaign. They were defeated on a penalty shootout in the 2022 provincial final against Tipperary and went on to contest the All-Ireland semi-final.
Under his watch, Clare reached the minor final again this season, the third year in succession but lost 2-17 0-16 against Tipperary. It took extra time to separate them from Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final.
His management this year included Donal Moloney, Damien O’Halloran, Fintan Leamy and Ger Hickey.
