*David Egan Kilmurry-Ibrickane
With the start of the 2025 domestic playing season fast approaching, clubs across the county are busy putting plans in place for the new season.
While the majority of clubs have their management teams in place, a number have yet to finalise their backroom teams for the coming season, including senior sides Eire Og, Kildysart, and Ennistymon. It remains to be seen if either of the outgoing selectors Shane Daniels or Peter Cosgrove will be persuaded to step up to the manager’s role at Eire Og following Paul Madden’s decision to step down after eight successful seasons at the helm. Reports circulating this week suggest that Limerick man Seanie Buckley, coach to the championship-winning teams in 2021 and 2022, may be on the way back to coach the town side in 2025. Beaten county finalists Kilmurry-Ibrickane won’t have their annual general meeting until January 24, but it is understood that David Egan will be continuing as manager. The Offaly native completed his first season in the role in 2024. Donagh Vaughan will continue as manager at St Joseph’s, Doora-Barefield, with Eoin Troy continuing as coach. They led the club to the championship quarter-final last year and finished off the season by leading the club to the under-21 A crown.
Aidan Moloney was re-appointed as manager of Lissycasey at the club’s recent annual meeting. This will be his third year as manager with the mid-Clare club. Former player Brian Shanahan is the new manager with his native Doonbeg. He replaces John Keane, who has stepped down from the position. Colm Collins and his management team of Brian O’Connell, Sean O’Dea, and Jody O’Connor will again be in charge in Cratloe for the 2025 campaign. Martin Guerin remains at the helm with Miltown St Josephs, but there are some changes to his management team. Eoin Curtin, coach to the side last year, is now part of the Clare senior set up with manager Peter Keane. Miltown resident John O’Sullivan joins the backroom team as coach after a number of seasons with Kildysart. Jim Marrinan continues as a selector while David Talty also continues as a member of the backroom team. Patrick O’Neill is the new manager at St. Breckans, replacing Declan O’Keeffe, who has completed a number of seasons with the North Clare club. Kilfenora native Killian Malone will coach the team and three former club players, John McDonagh, Aidan Fitzgerald, and Cathal Blood, will serve as selectors. After leading Wolfe Tones to the intermediate title in 2024, Johnnie Bridges is continuing as team manager for 2025. His backroom team includes Kieran Ryan (coach), Fergal O’Donnell, and Barry Murphy as selectors. Mickey Doran is to continue for a second term as Kilmihil manager.
