Daly appointed manager of the Bannermen

ANTHONY DALY, the man who captained Clare to two exhilarating All-Ireland senior hurling championships, was last night appointed manager of the Banner county for the coming season.

Daly’s appointment was ratified at last night's meeting of the Clare County Board and his back-room team will consist of former manager Fr Harry Bohan and Wolfe Tones clubman Alan Cunningham.

An inspirational captain during his illustrious playing career, Daly takes over from Cyril Lyons, who stepped down following three years in the position and the Clarecastle man’s appointment will be greeted with universal approval by Clare hurling fans.

A wing-back of outstanding ability, Daly won fame as a great leader of the Clare team that brought their county from obscurity to All-Ireland glory when they defeated Offaly in the 1995 final and Tipperary in the historic first all-Munster decider two years later.

Winner of Dr Harty Cup and All-Ireland senior colleges medals with St Flannan's of Ennis, Daly represented Clare at minor and U21 intercounty levels and captained the senior team for eight consecutive seasons until he announced his retirement in 2000.

He served as a selector with his club, but made a comeback this season and won his fifth Clare senior hurling championship medal last Sunday and will play in Sunday's Munster club championship against Patrickswell.

His selectors Fr Bohan and Alan Cunningham have also enjoyed chequered sporting careers. As manager Fr Bohan led Clare to four Munster senior finals and was a selector when they again reached the provincial showpiece in 1986.

He was responsible for bringing Justin McCarthy to the Banner County when they won successive National League titles in 1977/78.

Alan Cunningham coached Wolfe Tones to their only Clare county championship success in 1996. They subsequently went on to garner Munster club honours, but lost the All-Ireland final to Athenry. He managed the Clare U21 side last season.