*Clare LGFA Chairman Seán Lenihan with Aisling Reidy, Siofra Ní Chonaill, Amy Lenihan and Hannah Doyle. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
STRONG INTEREST has already been expressed to succeed Wayne Freeman as manager of the Clare intermediate ladies football team.
Freeman’s exit as Clare boss was first reported by The Clare Echo in the wake of a surprise home defeat to Tyrone in the quarter-final of the TG4 All-Ireland intermediate ladies football championship.
Under the Kildare man’s watch, Clare reached the All-Ireland final last year for the first time since 2016 and in 2024 were crowned Lidl Division 3 National League champions.
His backroom team of Lee Hunt, Brian Willis, Graham Shine and Jack MacNamee are also stepping down from their roles. A former manager of the Louth intermediate ladies footballers, Wayne was appointed Clare manager in October 2022.
Chairman of Clare LGFA, Seán Lenihan paid tribute to Freeman and his management for their time, effort and commitment to the county cause over the past two years. The St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield clubman said he was “terribly disappointed that our 2024 season finished at quarter final stage, I want to acknowledge the huge contribution that Wayne and the lads have made during their tenure. While we got a knock last Sunday, we have had some great days reaching the National League and All Ireland Finals last year, winning the Munster Senior B, winning this year’s National League and gaining promotion to Division 2 for next year. I saw at first hand the huge effort they put in. I want to sincerely thank them for it and wish them well for the future”.
An appointment has been targeted for the next month so Freeman’s successor will be in place to study players during the club championships which kicks off on August 11th. “Our focus now turns to Wayne’s replacement and to this end, we will be putting out an advert in the coming week or so with a plan to have someone in place in time to observe potential new players during our Adult Club Championship commencing on August 11th,” the Chairman added.
He continued, “I have received a number of calls already so it’s clear that there will be interest in the position which doesn’t surprise me at all as we have a great group of players who have served their county, their clubs and their families with honour and distinction. They are still a fantastic team, have massive potential and a bright future ahead”.
The Clare Echo understands that Patrick O’Connor who is currently in charge of the Kilmurry Ibrickane senior ladies football side is among those likely to express an interest while ex Clare footballer Graham Kelly who is currently coach of the Clare minors may be approached to make the step-up. Outside candidates are also expected to throw their name in the ring.
