McCarthy decision a ‘shot in the arm’

JUSTIN MCCARTHY has been re-appointed for a fifth season at the helm of Waterford hurling.

The announcement, ratified at this week’s county board meeting, has been described by an official as “a tremendous shot in the arm for Waterford hurling”.

Outgoing selectors Nicky Cashin, Kevin Ryan and Seamie Hannon were unanimously re-appointed.

A four-man committee comprising county chairman Pat Flynn, vice chairman Pat Grant, secretary Seamas Grant, and treasurer Michael Hogan interviewed four nominees for the managerial post.

While the other three candidates were undisclosed, all were from Waterford and included Mount Sion’s Jim Greene, who has twice applied for the job.

First appointed in succession to another former Cork hurling great, Gerald McCarthy, towards the end of 2001, Justin steered Waterford to Munster championship glory in his first year, their first provincial title since 1963.

He led the team to a second Munster crown in 2004 and also advanced the side to the NHL final, but All-Ireland glory has proven elusive.

County secretary Seamas Grant said: “We are very lucky to have a man with such a wealth of experience and a proven track record at the helm.” McCarthy should have a full squad to choose from, as there have been no retirement hints from within the panel, although Fergal Hartley will make known his intentions after Sunday’s Ballygunner/De La Salle county final.

Hartley announced his retirement from the inter-county scene following defeat by Wexford in the 2003 All-Ireland qualifiers, but returned to the side last season.

Kilkenny’s hurlers will be managed by Brian Cody for a seventh successive year in 2006 after the three-time All-Ireland-winning manager received the backing of the county board for another term.

Cody informed the Kilkenny board of his desire to remain in charge for the next 12 months and the former full-back was duly ratified by the county’s executive.

The backroom team has been changed following Mick O’Flynn’s decision to stand down as trainer.

Mick Dempsey takes over that role and continues as selector alongside Martin Fogarty.