Month: September 2021

THE THEME OF change continues in Kerry football with Anthony Maher this morning becoming the third All-Ireland winner in the space of a month to retire.

Maher won All-Ireland medals with Kerry in 2009 and 2014.

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

The experienced midfielder joins Kieran Donaghy and Donnchadh Walsh – who both called it a day in September – in bringing his inter-county career to a close since their 2018 championship concluded.

With Kerry set to appoint Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s replacement in the hotseat next Monday 8 October, the new manager will have to plan without a long-serving trio for the 2019 season.

Dublin’s Michael Darragh MacAuley under pressure from Anthony Maher and Kieran Donaghy of Kerry in the 2016 All-Ireland semi-final.

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

Maher won All-Ireland senior medals with Kerry in 2009 and 2014 but the latter triumph was a more notable one for him personally as he started at midfield in the win over Donegal. He had become a mainstay in the team at that stage and won an All-Star award for his exploits the following year, a campaign that saw Kerry lose the All-Ireland final to Dublin.

The 32-year-old also won eight Munster senior football medals and two National league medals. Injury had curbed his involvement this year and he was restricted to substitute appearances in Kerry’s three outings in the Super 8s.

He announced his decision in a statement on the Kerry GAA website.

“Since pulling on my first green and gold jersey back in 1999 for the primary game in Páirc Uí Chaoimh I’ve had the immense pleasure of representing my family, my parish and my county – now the time has come to call it a day

“I’d firstly like to thank all my former team-mates. While I am retiring from Kerry football with a heavy heart, I’m retiring with incredible memories. We’ve had highs and lows together but the bond developed throughout has been immeasurable. I look forward to watching and supporting as the current group continue to develop and grow, and return to glory once again.

“I’d also like to express my gratitude to all the management teams down throughout the years. Their commitment to the cause has always been second to none. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity given to me first by Pat O’Shea, further developed and nurtured by Jack and Éamonn and their backroom teams. A special thanks to the team of medics and physios who have looked after me, especially in recent years. Also, to the County Board who have always been and continue to be a fantastic support to the entire team.

Kerry’s Aidan O’Mahony celebrates with Anthony Maher after the 2011 Munster football final.

Source: James Crombie

“To my club, Duagh – I thank all of the people who have invested in me and shown massive support to me throughout my entire footballing career. I hope I have done you all proud. The club is where it began for me and now I am really looking forward to the years ahead with Duagh.

“My parents and my sisters have always been incredible when it came to my footballing commitments. They’ve always supported me, right back to that first training session my dad brought me to in Duagh as a young boy. I don’t think things looked too promising that day, but the encouragement began straight away and thankfully it paid off!

“All my extended family and friends – thanks for the never ending support and loyalty through thick and thin.

“To my wife Megan – the Limerick woman proudly sporting the green and gold since 2008! Thank you for your constant love, support, belief and loyalty. I look forward to beginning the next chapter with you.

“And finally, the supporters. Thank you for always backing our team and I’m really looking forward to joining you in the stands in 2019.

“Ciarrai abú!”

Maher was praised for his contribution to the Kerry cause by former managers Fitzmaurice and Jack O’Connor.

Eamonn Fitzmaurice with Anthony Maher after this year’s Munster final.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

“I would like to congratulate Anthony on his retirement from the Kerry senior football team,” stated Fitzmaurice.

“Anthony made his debut in 2008 after a breakout county championship with Feale Rangers in 2007. He has served Kerry with honesty, honour and humility and retires with many distinctions to his name.

“During my time in charge Anthony was a hugely important member of our group, being our midfield anchor for much of that time. His involvement in the recent past has been limited by debilitating injuries that he stubbornly defied to keep playing at the highest level.

“He was a leader in the dressing room often acting as a conduit to management. He was a complete midfielder, strong in the air, athletic, skilful, two footed and extremely hard working. He was exceptionally dedicated to his craft and worked tirelessly on his game.

“In 2014 we holidayed in South Africa as All Ireland champions. We spent part of the trip at Sun City and naturally availed of the golf on site. One day as a group of us wound down our round I noticed Anthony running around the boundary of the golf course on his own, typically pushing himself. He was getting ready for 2015 and backed up his 2014 season by again driving us to the final that year.

“Anthony also managed to excel academically balancing his studies and work life expertly with football. Achieving a PhD while competing at an elite level places Anthony in an exclusive club.

“Fear is ea é a thug gach a bhí aige i gcónaí agus geansaí Chiarraí á chaitheamh aige. Guím gach rath air agus ar Meghan.”

Former Kerry boss Jack O’Connor.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

“Anthony Maher was top class as a footballer and as a leader in the dressing room,” outlined O’Connor.

“He was a great team player and commanded a lot of respect when he spoke. He is a very intelligent man and he brought that with him on the football field. Anthony was very modest but a fierce competitor when it came down to a battle. It’s a pity injury blighted the last couple of years of his career as he worked extremely hard to get himself right.

“His leadership and example will be a big loss to Kerry. I wish to congratulate Anthony on his career with Kerry and wish himself and Megan all the best for the future.”

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IT’S DOWN TO the last four senior football stage in two of the most prominent county championships in the country and the fixture details were finalised by both counties last night.

Quinn, Fitzgerald, Mannion and Moran will all be chasing county glory.

Source: INPHO

The Dublin and Kerry county boards pencilled their senior semi-final clashes in for the weekend of 13-14 October with St Vincent’s and Dr Crokes both chasing three-in-a-row in their respective counties.

In Dublin the senior semi-finals have been split with Ballyboden St-Enda’s, who have Michael Darragh MacAuley and Colm Basquel in their ranks, taking on Paul Mannion’s Kilmacud Crokes on Saturday 13 October. The following day St Vincent’s, who had Diarmuid Connolly making his comeback in last Sunday’s quarter-final, will be in action against Kevin McManamon’s St Jude’s.

St Vincent’s are hoping for a fifth county in six campaigns this year while Ballyboden were champions in 2015. Kilmacud Crokes have not win out since 2010 while 2009 finalists St Judes are still chasing their first crown.

Kilmacud Crokes’ Ross McGowan with Colm Basquel of Ballyboden St. Enda’s.

Source: Oisin Keniry/INPHO

Those semi-final games will be preceded in each case by senior 2 semi-final ties with Dublin All-Ireland winners Paul Flynn (Fingallians), David Byrne (Naomh Olaf) and Con O’Callaghan (Cuala) all still in action in that championship.

In Kerry the semi-finals have been pencilled in for a double-header in Austin Stack Park in Tralee on Sunday 14 October. The curtain-raiser sees Dingle, with Paul and Michael Geaney in action, up against an East Kerry side that can call upon David Clifford and Kevin McCarthy.

Kerry footballer Paul Geaney.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

Then the second match sees Dr Crokes – who had Mícheál Burns, Gavin White and Fionn Fitzgerald in the Kerry squad this year – in action against Kerins O’Rahilly’s, the club of David Moran and Barry John Keane.

Dr Crokes are the reigning champions aiming for a third successive title this year and a seventh since 2010. Kerins O’Rahilly’s were last champions in 2002 and last finalists in 2008.

2012 beaten finalists Dingle haven’t won the title in Kerry since 1948 and East Kerry were last in the decider in 1999 when they claimed silverware.

Fixtures

Saturday 13 October

Dublin
SFC 1 semi-final
Ballyboden St Enda’s v Kilmacud Crokes, Parnell Park, 5.30pm

SFC 2 semi-final
St Mary’s v Fingallians, Parnell Park, 3.45pm

Sunday 14 October

Dublin
SFC 1 semi-final
St Jude’s v St Vincent’s, Parnell Park, 4pm

SFC 2 semi-final
Naomh Olaf/Thomas Davis v Cuala, Parnell Park, 2.15pm

Kerry SFC semi-finals
Dingle v East Kerry, Austin Stack Park, Tralee, 2pm
Dr Crokes v Kerins O’Rahilly’s, Austin Stack Park, Tralee, 3.45pm

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CORK AND KILKENNY lead the way in the 2018 camogie All-Star nominees with the beaten finalists having secured more nominations than the champions in the list that is comprised of 45 players.

Kilkenny’s Davina Tobin in action against Orla Cotter of Cork during the All-Ireland final.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

The two teams contested the league and All-Ireland final this year with Kilkenny triumphing in the spring competition and Cork winning out in the championship decider in September.

Kilkenny have received 14 nominations with Cork next in line with 12. Semi-finalists Tipperary and Galway both have five players nominated with Waterford having four nominations, three for Dublin and two Offaly players complete the list.

Galway’s Niamh Kilkenny in action against Dublin in August.

Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO

Nine members of last year’s All-Star side are in the running for awards again. They include the Cork quintet of Aoife Murray, Laura Treacy, Gemma O’Connor, Katrina Mackey and Orla Cotter, along with the Kilkenny quartet of Catherine Foley, Anne Dalton, Meighan Farrell and Katie Power. O’Connor is seeking a remarkable 11th All-Star award.

Cork’s Gemma O’Connor and Meighan Farrell of Kilkenny.

Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO

Cork’s Paudie Murray, Kilkenny Ann Downey and Dublin’s Shane Plowman – who steered them to All-Ireland premier junior honours – are all in the running for the manager of the year accolade.

Dublin manager Shane Plowman.

Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO

The player of the year nominees at senior, intermediate and junior level will be announced next week, while the Soaring Stars awards for the intermediate and premier junior grades will be revealed later this week.

The Liberty Insurance Camogie All-Stars banquet will take place in CityWest Hotel on Saturday 3 November.

Here’s the list of nominees in full:

Goalkeepers

1. Emma Kavanagh (Kilkenny)
2. Aoife Murray (Cork)
3. Sarah Healy (Galway)

Defenders

Full-Back Line

1. Mary Ryan (Tipperary)
2. Laura Treacy (Cork)
3. Grace Walsh (Kilkenny)
4. Shauna Healy (Galway)
5. Catherine Foley (Kilkenny)
6. Edwina Keane (Kilkenny)
7. Sarah Dervan (Galway)
8. Pamela Mackey (Cork)
9. Colette Dormer (Kilkenny)

Half-Back Line

1. Karen Kennedy (Tipperary)
2. Hannah Looney (Cork)
3. Hannah Hegarty (Dublin)
4. Claire Phelan (Kilkenny)
5. Róisín Egan (Offaly)
6. Anne Dalton (Kilkenny)
7. Davina Tobin (Kilkenny)
8. Áine Lyng (Waterford)
9. Chloe Sigerson (Cork)

Midfielders

1. Niamh Kilkenny (Galway)
2. Gemma O’Connor (Cork)
3. Lorraine Bray (Waterford)
4. Meighan Farrell (Kilkenny)
5. Julia White (Cork)
6. Libby Coppinger (Cork)

Half-Forward Line

1. Orla Cotter (Cork)
2. Orla O’Dwyer (Tipperary)
3. Siobhán Flannery (Offaly)
4. Katie Power (Kilkenny)
5. Orla Cronin (Cork)
6. Denise Gaule (Kilkenny)
7. Amy O’Connor (Cork)
8. Anna Farrell (Kilkenny)
9. Niamh Rockett (Waterford)

Full-Forward Line

1. Orla Beagan (Dublin)
2. Carrie Dolan (Galway)
3. Cáit Devane (Tipperary)
4. Shelly Farrell (Kilkenny)
5. Katrina Mackey (Cork)
6. Michelle Quilty (Kilkenny)
7. Beth Carton (Waterford)
8. Grace O’Brien (Tipperary)
9. Siobhán Kehoe (Dublin)

Manager of the Year

1. Paudie Murray (Cork)
2. Shane Plowman (Dublin)
3. Ann Downey (Kilkenny)

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WE’RE LESS THAN a year into John Horan’s reign as GAA president, but already significant steps have been taken to improve two key areas of the Association – the fixtures calendar and the spectacle of Gaelic football.

Source: Gary Carr/INPHO

At the GPA’s 2017 annual report last week, the body’s new chief executive Paul Flynn revealed they’re part of a group involving the GAA, CPA and Higher Education Committee that is currently reviewing the overall fixtures calendar at club, college and county level.

Getting all the relevant stakeholders into a room to come up with a proper fixtures schedule could be the most important achievement of Horan’s reign. 

Yesterday, the Standing Committee for Playing Rules (SCPR) announced five proposed changes to Gaelic football with the aim of making the game more attractive to watch.

The committee, installed by Horan after he took over from Aogan Ó Fearghail in February, is chaired by Ulster University academic and former Derry dual star David Hassan.

It includes former Cork football manager Brian Cuthbert, Cork secretary Frank Murphy, GPA president and ex-Galway hurler David Collins, former Meath footballer Seamus Kenny, Antrim’s Ulster Council representative Alec McQuillan, former Leinster chairman Michael Delaney and Croke Park games manager Pat Daly.

Brian Cuthbert and Jim Gavin shake hands after the Division 1 league final in 2015

Source: Tommy Grealy/INPHO

The five proposed rule changes are certainly radical and would drastically alter Gaelic football as we know it. They are:

1. A three consecutive hand-pass limit
2. Forward-only sideline kicks
3. A sin-bin for a black-card offence or double yellow cards
4. A mark inside the 20-metre line
5. A new kick-out protocol

Discussions are set to take place between the SCPR and players, managers and referees during the month of October. If approved, the rule changes would be played on a trial basis during the 2019 Allianz Leagues and could be written into law in time for the 2020 All-Ireland SFC.

Challenge games have been organised over the next couple of weeks to analyse how these changes would affect the game. Further tweaks and alterations to the rule changes are likely before they go in front of the GAA’s Management Committee for approval at the end of the month.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

Inter-county managers are likely to strongly oppose the rules being trialed during the league, which many counties view as their most important competition. 

It’s important to note that all five proposed changes are highly unlikely to be approved together. At most, one or two rule changes coming in is a far more realistic expectation, given they must pass a vote at Congress.

The negative reaction to the proposals on social media has been a little over the top, but it comes with the territory. It’s likely football hasn’t become as bad to watch as social media would have you believe either.

Scoring rates, skill levels and fitness standards continue to rise, meaning the game is in a relatively healthy state. That said, it has started to resemble basketball.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

If a team doesn’t get a scoring attempt away within the first eight or 10 seconds of an attack, the defending team is generally able to filter 12 or 13 men behind the ball.

Attacking teams are now coached not to carry the ball into the tackle or give away an unnecessary turnover, so instead they work the ball back and forth probing for a gap and a high percentage shot at goal. 

What ensues is the sort of sideways passing passages of play that sucks the life out of an atmosphere and makes the game dull for spectators. Superior fitness levels and tactical insight now means that any half-forward line worth its salt will be back behind the ball if an opposition attack is slowed down. 

Carlow manager Turlough O’Brien has been extremely critical of the proposed rule changes. Then again, the Barrowsiders are probably the most defensive inter-county team out there, so it’s easy to see why they wouldn’t want the game to be opened up.

Gobsmacked with proposed rule changes …. and trialing them in the NFL???????

— Turlough O Brien (@TurloughCarlow) October 3, 2018

Indeed, Hassan has stated that the idea behind the changes is to “promote attacking principles.”

So if we take it on the basis that the changes are supposed to make it easier for forwards, the three consecutive handpass limit makes little sense.

Instead, it would encourage teams to drop bodies behind the ball and wait for a mistake. It would also rule out the sort of flowing hand-passing team move that Corofin scored in this year’s All-Ireland club final.

Handpassing is not the enemy of attacking play, it’s the best way for teams to cut through a mass defence. 

Amazing goal for Corofin against Nemo Rangers in the club final to put them 11 points clear after less than 20 minutes! What a sequence of passes! Sár chúl @TG4TV @SportTG4 @CorofinGAA #thepeoplesgame #allirelandclubfinals #gaa pic.twitter.com/i1ks0ffhWG

— Michael Mc Cague Music (@m_mc_caguemusic) March 17, 2018

Similarly, forcing sideline kicks to go forwards unless they are inside the offensive 13m line could see the defending team drop all 15 bodies into their defence waiting for a kick to arrive. How does that promote attacking principles?

The sin bin rule has its merits. It would see a player who committed a black card offence or picked up two yellows spend 10 minutes in the sin bin. A second black or a third yellow would result in a red.

It may need a tweak given two yellow cards have been downgraded from a red to a 10-minute cooling off period. 

The mark rule, which awards a free for a catch by an attacker or defender inside the 20-metre line on a kickpass delivered beyond the 45, would be a radical change to the game.

It would encourage more long kick-passing into the full-forward line and see accurate free-takers and fielders become a more valuable commodity. The risk is that the majority of teams would seek to pick out inside forwards with a dink pass into the chest rather than a 50/50 lob into the full-forward.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

It would see the game move closer to its Australian Rules equivalent, but is certainly worth trying out. It would almost definitely result in more goal chances as corner-backs would be keen to prevent forwards from making easy catches out in front, meaning they could be caught in behind.

The most intriguing proposed rule change is the new kick-out protocol, which in theory promotes a return to the traditional formation of six backs, two midfielders and six forwards.

The rule states that each team must have a maximum of six players behind the respective 45-metre lines with two midfielders in the zone between both 45s. The goalkeeper’s kick-out must pass the 45 before it can be played by a member of his team.

Nowadays, most inter-county teams have developed set plays from the throw-in, because it’s the only situation in a game where they’ve got one-on-one match-ups in attack and no extra defenders to deal with.

The new kick-out rule would see it become more common, make it a little more difficult for a team to employ a full-time sweeper and rid the game of short-kick outs – which can contribute to long, boring spells of inaction. It would also mean the sight of a team conceding the kick-outs is no more. 

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Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

The main issue is the length of time it will take for teams to reset into a six-two-six formation, despite the various penalties that can be applied. Could the referee stop the clock until the kick-out takes place to cut out the potential for time-wasting?

The kick-out rule may not be as difficult to implement as some are suggesting with proper communication between the umpires, linesmen and referee.

All five proposed rules won’t be brought in, but one or two – with the necessary tweaks – could see Gaelic football become a far more exciting game in the near future.

If a proper fixtures calendar also comes into the play, then we’re certainly on the right track. 

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IT’S OVER A fortnight since his sudden departure as Dublin manager, Pat Gilroy citing work commitments as the reason for his exit.

At a time when the demands on GAA players are frequently debated, the commitment required to fill management positions in inter-county setups is also a live issue.

After his first season involved in a sideline role with the Cork senior hurlers, Kieran Murphy can appreciate the time required.

The former county senior captain retired from playing with Cork in 2011 before getting involved in various coaching roles and the filling that position alongside John Meyler in 2018.

The reasoning behind Gilroy leaving after a single season in charge of Dublin, did not surprise the Sarsfields club man.

“I’d say there isn’t an hour in the day when you’re in mid season that you’re not thinking about something.

“I’d be doing the hurling coaching and you’re always thinking about what you’re going to be, your overall plan and how that’s kind of shaping up.

“You’re always getting a phone call then off someone and John (Meyler) is very hands on as well too so there’s a lot of interaction with him.

“Certainly you look at someone like Pat Gilroy, who has been there before (and) who is in the role that he was in from a work point of view.

Departed Dublin manager Pat Gilroy.

Source: Oisin Keniry/INPHO

“He came back, gave it a a good crack for a year – and they were very unlucky in the Leinster championship – and then he’s kind of saying that he can’t do it justice and needs to walk away.

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“It’s not like he was coming in cold, he knew what was involved. It just goes to show the level that county management is gone to and the mental drain that’s happening.

“It’s just non-stop now. You see someone like Pat who’s made it to the top of business walking away, that shows you the kind of commitment that’s involved.”

• ‘They’re certainly going to be in our thoughts’ – Munster winning duo could return as Cork plan for 2019

The time involved has risen since Murphy’s playing days and he points to the importance of management members receiving support to facilitate their roles.

The Cork hurlers before this year’s All-Ireland semi-final against Limerick.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

“It’s hugely time consuming. I’ve three young kids under four at home, so I’ve a very understanding wife and extended family.

“It’s massive, especially with the format this year, it was really intense and then you’re holding down a day job on top of it. I’m fortunate to work for PWC, who would sponsor the All-Stars and they’re very understanding.

“They’re very supportive for people to do stuff outside of work but ultimately you still need to deliver on your day job. The job I do there’s a lot of travelling involved, a lot of trips up to Dublin and stuff like that so it’s all about kind of balancing that and being able to plan and have some bit of structure in your life. I’m just lucky that I’ve a family and a work team around me that facilitates that.”

The two-time All-Ireland winner is keen to stress the realisation that plenty is being demanded of players also. A recent ESRI report indicated that players can spend up to 31 hours in the week on their senior careers.

Kiearn Murphy was speaking at last week’s launch of the 2018 Fenway Hurling Classic.

Source: Seb Daly/SPORTSFILE

“I mean you look at the age profile of players now, it’s starting to go to a college game really. I know when I played there would have been a lot of players over the 30 mark who were still playing. I wouldn’t have the numbers now but I’m sure that’s it’s well down on what it was before.

“Fellas like Bill Cooper, Anthony (Nash), they’ve kids now as well. I think from a management point of view, you need to be understanding with their time and what they can give and especially in the pre-season.

“Anthony living in Kanturk, travelling up to Cork, that’s an hour’s journey one way. That just goes to show how easy the 31 hours can build up. It’s grand for people to see that but the reality is, it’s actually what’s happening between travel, training, gym work, preparation. It’s certainly a concern to be asking players to be putting 31 hours a week into it.”

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DAVY FITZGERALD HAS stepped down as manager of LIT’s Fitzgibbon Cup side after 16 years in charge.

Fitzgerald led the Limerick college to Fitzgibbon glory in 2005 and 2007, while a host of talented players came through the college during his tenure. 

Instead, the Clare native will move into a new role in LIT.

A statement from the college confirmed that the current Wexford boss’s new position will “involve working to help students in addressing some of the challenges they face on their journey through college.”

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He will also act as an ambassador for the college.

“I have very much enjoyed my time managing the LIT Fitzgibbon team over the last 16 years, and made a lot of friends both in LIT and outside it,” Fitzgerald said.

“It was very special and I won’t forget it, but it is time to move on.  I would like to thank the president and everyone in the LIT for that and for the opportunity to work in a new capacity there, which I am very much looking forward to.”

President of LIT, Professor Vincent Cunnane paid tribute to Fitzgerald’s reign.

“Davy is synonymous with LIT and with achievement,” he said.

“He became a fellow of LIT in 2013 in recognition of his contribution to the institute.  It is by no means overstating it to say that he has been instrumental in the development of LIT’s standing both on and off the field of play. 

“As manager of LIT’s hurling team, he brought tremendous success to the college, bringing the us to a position of consistent competitiveness. To record a success rate of over 70% across a 16 year period is a remarkable feat unequaled by any manager in colleges hurling. In fact, during Davy’s tenure, LIT competed in the final weekend of every Fitzgibbon competition except four.

“Davy has a passion for helping people.  This ethic is fundamental in what we do, and we will now be working with Davy to help him contribute to the lives of our students off the field in a structured way.  This means engaging with students who are experiencing challenges and uncertainties in a unique partnership with our Student Support Services. 

“This is a real win-win situation which will allow LIT students to benefit in a much broader way than was possible when his focus was on hurling success.”

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SLAUGHTNEIL’S REIGN AS Derry and Ulster senior club football champions ground to a halt in dramatic fashion this evening.

Chasing a fifth consecutive Derry crown, they suffered a 1-11 to 0-13 defeat to Eoghan Rua in their quarter-final replay in Owenbeg.

Eoghan Rua completed a superb comeback to set up a semi-final meeting with Ballinascreen. The Coleraine club, whose only senior county title came in 2010, are now one step away from reaching their first final since their narrow loss to Slaughtneil in 2015.

Colm McGoldrick, who finished with 1-5, struck the vital goal in the 43rd minute, sparking a strong finish from Eoghan Rua who held Slaughtneil scoreless from there.

Eoghan Rua’s hopes of exacting revenge looked bleak for the majority of tonight’s first half, however, as they needed 22 minutes to register their first score courtesy of McGoldrick.

Slaughtneil had already opened up a six-point lead by then, with Shane McGuigan, Brian Cassidy and Christopher Bradley all raising white flags twice for the champions.

Eoghan Rua finally sprang to life, although they still trailed by four points at the break, Slaughtneil in the ascendancy on a 0-10 to 0-6 scoreline.

With just over 10 minutes of the second half played, Bradley pointed a ’45 to put Slaughtneil five ahead (0-13 to 0-8). However, it proved to be their final score of the game.

Ruairi Mooney set up Colm McGoldrick to find the net, Niall Holly then reduced the gap to the minimum, before McGoldrick levelled the game with four minutes remaining.

It was another one of the McGoldricks — full-back Liam — who was ultimately the hero. Moments after missing a 35-yard free, he made no mistake with an injury-time effort from play which was enough to dethrone Derry’s dominant champions of the past four years.

Derry SFC semi-finals

Eoghan Rua Coleraine v Ballinascreen
Glen v Lavey

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NEW TIPPERARY HURLING boss Liam Sheedy concedes that the onus is on his side to win back the public after a disappointing 2018.

The 2016 All-Ireland champions crashed out of Munster in early June without a win to their credit after defeat to Clare following two draws and a loss to Limerick.

That stormy period, on top of the National Hurling League final defeat to Kilkenny led to slatings from the Tipperary public for their demise in form.

Sheedy is in the Premier county’s hot seat for the second time, eight years after departing as an All-Ireland winning manager. 

And the Portroe man is well aware of what lies ahead.

“The one thing I will say – if you ask me what would concern me, I do think we need to win back the public,” 48-year-old Sheedy said in a wide-ranging interview with local media, including The Nenagh Guardian.

“Our crowds have dwindled in most matches that I went to last year. Tipp were outnumbered time and time and time again, home or away. That’s something that I will be looking at.

“From the first time we take to the pitch, I will be looking to get a team together that the county will follow because I do think back the last time, by the time we got to the end of the term, that team was being followed and I think it is really important that the county and all the supporters come in behind the team.

“We all know the work and effort that these guys put in and to be going out Sunday after Sunday and being outnumbered is something that we should not be proud of and certainly that’s one thing I will be doing – trying to create a team that’s worth following.”

Noel McGrath dejected after that loss to Clare.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

In further interviews with local media, Sheedy revealed that outgoing boss Michael Ryan gave him “the greatest push” to take the reins as his successor. 

“Mick and I are great friends and very close,” he told The Tipperary Star.

“He was been a huge support – we work together in Bank of Ireland and he said to me, go in Liam, bring a new voice and give it a go. He feels there is a good crop that has the potential to go and challenge.”

He expressed his excitement at getting back into the thick of the action since making his decision and being ratified in the position.

“I probably haven’t felt as good in years as I have in the last few days since I made the decision. My gut said, I am heading into my late forties now and I am getting a chance to manage my own county again and that’s not an opportunity that a lot of people get.

“To me it is one of the best jobs in the country and here I am potentially turning it down. I spend a lot of time in the car and that gives you a lot of mind time where you are talking to yourself and it kept coming back to me.

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“We are a proud GAA family and I just said here it goes. Since I made the decision, I have been buzzing.”

– Updated 10.50am Friday, 5 October.

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KILKENNY AND DUBLIN All-Ireland winning coaches, Mick Dempsey and Jason Sherlock, are both of a new group that has been established by GAA President John Horan to look at GAA youth development.

O’Connor, Sherlock, Dempsey and Cuthbert are all part of the group.

Source: INPHO

The panel is set to review the youth/player development pathway at inter-county level and its relationship with clubs, post-primary schools and third-level institutions.

Former Laois footballer Dempsey, who has played a major role in the Kilkenny hurling success story under Brian Cody and coached them to win multiple All-Ireland crowns, is to chair the new group with ex-Cork camogie player Jenny Duffy set to act as secretary.

Sherlock, who was involved in steering Dublin to a fourth consecutive All-Ireland senior triumph last month, is also a part of the group along with a duo that recent county managerial experience in Cork’s Brian Cuthbert and Roscommon’s Fergal O’Donnell.

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Former Roscommon football boss Fergal O’Donnell.

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

Hurling figures represented on the panel include Clare’s two-time All-Ireland senior winner Jamesie O’Connor and Galway’s Jeffrey Lynskey, who has guided his county to three All-Ireland minor title wins in the last four years.

The focus of the group is to ensure that best practice is being followed in developing talented young players from U13 to U20 grades in both football and hurling. It is expected to recommend that there is a club centred approach, that an elitist mindset is not created and that player welfare is prioritised.

The group will hope to have a draft report ready before the end of this year and then propose recommendations to the GAA’s Games Development Committee.

GAA’s Talent Academy & Player Development Work Group 

1. Michael Dempsey (Chairman, Laois)
2. Jenny Duffy (Secretary, Cork)
3. Jeffrey Lynskey (Galway)
4. Jason Sherlock (Dublin)
5. Shane Flanagan (Leinster GAA, Kildare)
6. Dr. Eugene Young (Ulster GAA, Derry)
7. Ray O’Brien (Third Level, Kerry)
8. Garrett Coyle (Ulster Post-Primary Schools, Monaghan)
9. Brian Cuthbert (Cork)
10. Fergal O’Donnell (Roscommon)
11. Jamesie O’Connor (Clare)

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SUCCESSFUL MINOR BOSS Peter Keane is set to be confirmed as Kerry’s new senior football manager next Monday night.

The move will bring an end to Kerry’s hunt for a new man at the helm since Éamonn Fitzmaurice brought his six-season reign to a close in the wake of their exit in the Super 8s this season.

It had been revealed that the new manager would be put forward for ratification by clubs at next Monday night’s Kerry county board meeting after a search headed up by chairman Tim Murphy and his sub-committee.

And it is now seems that Keane will be the name put forward with his management team still to be confirmed.

Renowned coach Donie Buckley, former playing great Maurice Fitzgerald – a selector this year alongside Fitzmaurice and a candidate for the manager role – and ex-county defender Tommy Griffin, who has worked closely with Keane at minor level, are some of the names in the frame to work with the new boss.

A former county and U21 player with Kerry, Keane captained the county to Munster glory in the latter grade in 1992. The St Mary’s Cahersiveen club man has managerial experience with his native club, who he steered to All-Ireland junior glory in 2011, along with guiding Legion to a county senior final appearance in 2015 when they lost out to South Kerry after a replay.

He has enjoyed considerable success in his role as Kerry minor boss since succeeding Jack O’Connor. In his opening season he won the Munster final against Cork and experienced All-Ireland glory against Galway with a team that included current seniors David Clifford and Sean O’Shea.

More Munster success has followed with final wins over Clare in 2017 and 2018, while he has added All-Ireland title wins in both those seasons, at the expense of Derry last year and Galway this year.

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