Only five clubs submit views on replacement for Cregan

Colm O’Connor

Newcastle West, Dromin, Ahane, Na Piarsaigh and Garryspillane submitted their thoughts on a possible replacement for the former team boss who resigned from his post after the Shannonsiders were beaten by Cork in the All-Ireland SHC qualifiers.

Disappointment was expressed at the poor response to the appeal which was received at this week’s county board meeting.

Despite this, chairman Donal Fitzgibbon said the county executive would review the nominations submitted and return to the September meeting with a name for ratification.

He gave no hint as to the names submitted by the clubs, two of which, Newcastle West and Dromin do not play at senior level.

Fitzgibbon told the meeting all four clubs submitted a name each but a late submission from Garryspillane had produced something different.

U-21 boss Dave Keane is still considered to be the favoured man for the role. The Corkman, who works as an engineer with Limerick City Council, has led the U-21’s to two back-to-back Munster and All-Ireland titles.

He was also a member of the Adare’s backroom team of when they won the Limerick county championship for the first time last year.

Keane is said to be unhappy with the decision made by delegates last night to refix the Munster U-21 hurling final replay against Tipperary in Thurles, the venue for the drawn game. How this may affect his chances, remains to be seen.

Ger Loughnane’s appearance at the Munster U-21 final has heightened speculation he may be interested in the job, though it seems unlikely that the Clare native has plans to return to management.