Fogarty Forum: Outside manager is back in GAA’s crosshairs

A snapshot analysis of 10 senior county finals shows 13 of the 20 club teams involved were either managed or coached by an outsider.

Former Dublin footballer Philly McMahon, who hails from the Ballymun Kickhams club, managed Naas in their defeat to Athy in the Kildare SFC Pic: ©INPHO/James Lawlor

A snapshot analysis of 10 senior county finals over the last two weekends, six football and four hurling, shows 13 of the 20 club teams involved were either managed or coached by an outsider.

It is a large number and indicative of the challenges the GAA leadership face if they are seriously considering enforcing or at least encouraging clubs to make appointments from within their own ranks.