Kennedy says his new role a ‘huge step up from minors’

FORMER Kerry footballer John Kennedy is relishing his new role at the helm of the Clare senior footballers.

Kennedy, an All-Ireland winner in 1984 and former selector with the county minor side, was appointed to the position for a two-year term in place of the outgoing Pat Begley.

“I met with chairman Fr Michael McNamara and Tom Downes of the football board a couple of weeks ago,” the Asdee man said.

“Then they rang me on Monday and said that the job was mine if I wanted it, pending ratification. It was ratified on Wednesday night and I will be meeting with them next week to discuss issues such as selectors, training and the like,” he said.

Kennedy is the second Kerry man to cross the Shannon for the role in recent years. Current Kerry trainer John O’Keeffe held the position, leading the Banner men to a Munster Final against Kerry in 1997.

Kennedy admits that he is facing a huge change of pace from his work with the Kerry underage set-up.

“It is a huge step up from the minors. But if you are involved in football and you have ambitions, it is a great honour to be included among some of the people mentioned for the Clare job. But I have played under Mick O’Dwyer, selected with Charlie Nelligan and Pat O’Shea, so I think that I have a good share of experience for the job.

“You wonder what impact an outsider has on things. Do players react differently to a change of style? We will wait and see. I will be coming in taking charge of a team in Division Two, so that will give me a bit of time to get our bearings, work on the team and not be facing the big sides week in and week out. My job will be to ensure that Clare manage to play to their full potential.”

Meanwhile, Ger Hegarty has emerged as favourite for the vacant position of manager of the Limerick under-21 hurling team, following the decision taken by Dave Keane to concentrate on the seniors. A county board spokesman confirmed that Hegarty was short-listed, but hinted that there were others also in the frame. Earlier this year, former Allstar Gary Kirby said it was his intention to go into management, and he might decide that now is the time to make the move. At least eight members of the team which trounced Galway in the All-Ireland final last Sunday will be available. Hegarty has continued his playing career with the Old Christians clubs, having first shot into the national limelight in 1987 when Limerick claimed the under-21 title for the first time. Kirby is also active, assisting the Patrickswell intermediate team.

Former Wexford senior hurling manager Liam Griffin has denied he is about to return in place of Tony Dempsey, who resigned last week.

“I’m not coming back, it’s as simple as that. I’m just not available and my personal circumstances won’t allow it,” Griffin said.

He said nor would he be available to serve on the committee, entrusted with the task to find a new manager.

That committee is made up of county chairman Sheamus Howlin, county secretary Michael Kinsella, former manager Tony Dempsey and former great Tony Doran.