*John O’Meara. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
SIXMILEBRIDGE’s John O’Meara has been appointed as the new manager of Tipperary side Kiladanagan.
O’Meara a member of the only Clare minor hurling panel to win an All-Ireland title in 1997 spent the last two seasons in charge of Limerick side Patrickswell along with fellow Bridge man Sean Chaplin.
In 2021, The Well reached the county final under their watch but the second season was not as positive with injuries to key players like Cian Lynch curtailing their progress as they bowed out at the quarter-finals to South Liberties, recording two wins in their six championship outings.
His move to Patrickswell followed a successful stint over his native Sixmilebridge, guiding them to three Clare SHC titles in his six year tenure, claiming the Canon Hamilton in 2013, 2015 and 2017. The 2013 success when they defeated rivals Newmarket-on-Fergus was a significant win and marked their first senior title in eleven years and kickstarted their period of dominance which included five championships in eight seasons.
On the field, O’Meara won Clare SHC medals in 2000 and 2002 plus a Munster club title. He has been heavily involved with his beloved Bridge, including serving as club Chairman while last year he was part of the intermediate management that led the side to the Clare IHC semi-finals where they lost out to Tulla.
He has coached the Clare minor hurlers in the past and was also coach of the Éire Óg side which regained their senior status winning the Clare IHC in 2011. He was in the running to become Clare U21 hurling manager in 2017 but lost out to John Carmody.
A meeting of the Kiladangan Executive this weekend ratified O’Meara’s appointment as manager for 2023.
Last year, it took a replay to decide the Tipperary SHC winners with Kiladangan falling short against Kilruane MacDonaghs on a scoreline of 2-20 1-16. Just two points separated them from Nenagh Éire Óg in the North Tippeary final, the tie finishing 2-20 2-18 in Nenagh’s favour.
Wexford manager Darragh Egan remains involved with his native Kiladangan, the side was managed by Sean O’Meara last season, while he steps down from this role he will be part of his namesake’s management for 2023. The set-up is completed with the addition of former Tipperary footballer George Hannigan.
When Kiladangan won their first Tipperary SHC in 2020 they were managed by Brian Lawlor who last year coached Newmarket-on-Fergus’ senior hurlers.
