Anthony Daly steps aside for sake of Clare unity

Anthony Daly has pulled out of the race to be the next Clare senior hurling manager.

Having been regarded as the favourite for the job, his withdrawal now leaves the door open for Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor to take the reins as joint-managers.

Interviews for the post were set to take place this week but Daly will not be going before the three-man selection committee.

“Ever since I left the Clare job in 2006, it was always my dream to go back and manage my county again,” Daly said last night.

“But I also believe that we need unity in the county now and I don’t want this to be a divisive contest with Donal and Gerry.

“They did a brilliant job with a lot of these players at minor and U21 level. They won three All-Ireland U21s in a row, which was a massive achievement.

“They are ambitious guys who naturally want the senior job now, and they are entitled to their shot at it. I can’t say that I didn’t get it once before, and maybe, who knows, I may have again. But at this stage, I feel it’s time for me to step back and let the two lads at it.

“After the last few months, I feel very strongly about the unity of Clare hurling, and ensuring that the Banner has total togetherness going forward. I don’t want any friction between clubs over a contest. I don’t want players to be in this camp, or that camp, and the potential fall-out that may have down the line.

“Some clubs will want me, others will want the two lads. I would have great respect for the clubs that the two lads come from. I don’t want any bitterness. I just want the best for Clare hurling, full-stop. I just want everyone to drive on now and get behind the two boys.”

Daly managed Clare for three seasons between 2004-06, when the county narrowly lost successive All-Ireland semi-finals to Cork and Kilkenny.

He subsequently guided Dublin to historic league and Leinster titles during his six years in charge between 2009 and 2014 and feels he could have profitably drawn on that experience back at the Clare helm. He was just 33 when he first took over the Banner job.

“I do feel now that I would be in a far better position to manage my county. I have the experience now that I didn’t have when I first managed Clare and it was disappointing not to be contacted by the Clare county board since the nominations went in on Monday about my interest in the position.

“But who knows, maybe I will be able to put that experience to good use again. I would sincerely like to thank the great Clare clubs that nominated me and to the many many individuals who expressed support to me over the past week.”