*Photograph: Burren Eye Photography
KERRY NATIVE, Mark Fitzgerald is to be proposed as the new manager of the Clare senior footballers.
Fitzgerald emerged as a surprise candidate for the vacancy in the past fortnight after he was overlooked for the Limerick job. He had been part of Ray Dempsey’s management with the Treaty County last year, Dempsey’s departure in March led to Fitzgerald becoming interim manager.
He was one of three candidates for the Limerick job with the selection committee opting to give Jimmy Lee of Newcastle West the nod ahead of Fitzgerald and former Lissycasey manager John Ryan. Among those joining Lee’s management is Micheál Cahill who had returned as S&C coach to the Clare footballers this season.
At Tuesday’s meeting of the Clare County Board, delegates will be asked to ratify the appointment of Fitzgerald. Correspondence was issued to clubs on Friday informing them of the Board’s proposal to nominate Fitzgerald, however details on the make-up of his management were not provided to clubs.
This absence of information could may well lead to delegates asking to revert to their clubs before any appointment is made.
Indeed officers on the Executive of Clare GAA have been left frustrated with the lack of information fed back to them at meetings when the topic of appointing Colm Collins’ successor was raised.
Current Éire Óg coach, Seanie Buckley who has helped them to win two Clare SFCs is linked as a potential coach in the county set-up. The former Limerick captain was formerly based as a Garda in Ennistymon but is now stationed in Limerick City.
Former Clare minor football manager, Joe Garry who is a co-commentator on Clare FM for their football coverage had been linked with a selector’s role but he has confirmed to The Clare Echo that he has not been approached.
Current St Breckan’s boss and former Clare goalkeeper coach, Declan O’Keeffe was also interviewed for the position of Banner boss. The two-time All-Ireland winner was quizzed for the role on Thursday but within 24 hours, the recommendation of the four-person committee comprised of Deirdre Murphy, Kieran Keating, Ger Keane and David Tubridy was to appoint Fitzgerald.
