*Conor Clancy. Photograph: John Mangan
Two of Clare’s All-Ireland winners from 1997 are teaming up to take charge of the Kilmaley senior hurlers.
Conor Clancy who alternated between centre and full forward on the Ger Loughnane managed Clare sides that were crowned All-Ireland SHC champions in 1995 and 1997 has been appointed manager of the Kilmaley senior hurlers.
Clancy led the side back to the senior ranks following their relegation in 2016 at the hands of Newmarket-on-Fergus. He was manager of the Kilmaley side that defeated Tubber in the 2017 intermediate final. John Carmody took on the role in 2018 and led the club to Clare Cup glory in 2019.
This year, Conor was in charge of the Kilmaley Junior hurlers who lost out in the county decider to O’Callaghans Mills following extra time on a scoreline of 4-17 0-23. He was been Chairman of both the hurling and camogie club in Kilmaley.
Former Clare midfielder, Colin Lynch has been announced as coach of the side. An All Star winner on two occasions, he lined out at midfield alongside Ollie Baker on the Banner side that defeated Tipperary in the 1997 All-Ireland final.
Lynch spent the past two seasons involved with Tipperary club, Roscrea. Prior to this, he had a two year spell in charge of the Newmarket-on-Fergus senior hurlers which included reaching the 2015 Clare SHC quarter-final and a relegation scare in 2016. When Kilmaley last won the Clare SHC in 2004, Colin was captain of the side.
Both Clancy and Lynch will be joined by strength and conditioning coach Trevor Slattery who was previously involved with Cratloe. The management have already had their first communication with the panel of players.
Their appointment comes following the departure of Kieran O’Neill as manager. The former Clare footballer was joined on his management team by Niall Romer who is currently the kit man for Brian Lohan’s county side and unsuccessfully contested for the post of Vice Chairman of Clare GAA.
Donie Buckley had been involved with the side last year following his exit from the Kerry senior football management. The Ennis based coach has already been snapped by Monaghan boss Seamus McEnaney to become their head coach for 2021. Buckley spent six years with the Mayo footballers up until 2018, before returning to Kerry to join Peter Keane’s management team. The Castleisland man was also joint manager of Clare’s senior footballers back in 2006 alongside Michael Brennan.
