*Ger O’Connell. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill.
GER O’CONNELL has been ratified to remain as manager of the Clare minor hurlers for a third year.
O’Connell’s return was confirmed at the September meeting of the Clare County Board. The Clonlara man had indicated to the top brass of Clare GAA that he wished to remain in the role before he was proposed to continue.
During his maiden season at the helm in 2025, the Clonlara man led the Banner to an All-Ireland final, where they were defeated by Waterford on a scoreline of 1-18 to 0-11.
This season, his charges advanced as far as an All-Ireland quarter-final, beating Waterford and Dublin along the way before being eliminated by All-Ireland winners Limerick.
Clare were fortunate to emerge from the province after losing three of their four games in the round-robin series.
Among those in O’Connell’s backroom staff last season were coaches Barry Corbett (Clooney/Quin) and Kevin McNamara (Kilmaley), selectors Kevin Sammon (O’Callaghans Mills) and Paul Mannion (St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield), as well as goalkeeping coach Killian Nugent (O’Callaghans Mills).
Sammon managed the Roscommon hurlers to Nickey Rackard Cup glory in 2025, while also being involved with his home county’s Under-17s. Nugent is the current Fireballs number one.
Ger won an All-Ireland minor medal during his own playing days when he was between the sticks for the Clare title-winning team of 1997. He has also managed the county’s senior camogie side, stepping down in 2021 after three seasons in charge.
In his end of year report, O’Connell stated, “It’s important to reflect on the season as a whole, the successes we achieved and the areas where we continue to improve. While results are an important measure of progress, the development of our players and the commitment shown by everyone involved and the standards set throughout the year are equally significant”.
Twelve games were played by the minors across the year, six challenge matches and six championship encounters. “The squad represented Clare with pride, passion, and commitment throughout the season from the first training session to our final fixture against Limerick. The players consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and a genuine desire to improve both individually and collectively”.
He continued, “the year provided many positive performances and valuable learning experiences that will stand to the players as they progress to adult club hurling and hopefully some to Clare under 20’s”.
The report went on to give details of the trial process at the beginning of the season with the final panel of thirty four players announced after the trials. Under 17 players who didn’t make the 34 went straight to the Celtic ~Challenge squad while under 16 players that didn’t make the 34 went back to Clare under 16 panels.
O’Connell thanked Celtic Challenge manager Brian Culbert “for his excellent co-operation which was a massive help to both squads as the year progressed”, and congratulated the Celtic Challenge squad on their success.
According to the Clonlara man “over 70 players represented Clare in both squads during the season”. He went on to list positives from the year as “excellent commitment from the players and consistently high attendances at training and matches and a strong team culture developed with players supporting each other on and off the field. A number of players made significant progress and have positioned themselves for future county team involvement”.
He thanked all who had helped during the year, the players, their clubs, the management team, the county board, Club Clare, the players families, and to the supporters. “The experience gained by this group this year will benefit them as they continue their hurling journey and we look forward to seeing them represent their clubs and county in the years ahead”.
