Meath delegates will have final say on senior team manager

THE Meath County Board confirmed they will hold an election for the position of senior football manager.

It had been believed that the appointment of senior team boss would change this year, with a four-man interview committee set up by the county board, which would in turn recommend a candidate for ratification by the board.

However, Meath secretary Barney Allen has revealed that the interview process will be little more than an inspection of the candidates, and that final say still comes down to the votes of the club delegates.

Boylan beat Barry last year by 79 votes to 30, but it is thought that the Dunshaughlin coach will stand a much better chance this time out.

The interview process would have favoured Boylan, but with some clubs believing he should now step down, Barry could pick up a lot of votes from delegates.

“Anybody who is nominated will come before the committee first and they will just make sure if they are capable of doing the job,” said Mr Allen.

“It’s a vetting process and the committee just decides if they can allow the nominee to go forward. The club delegates will decide who will be the manager, there is still an election.”

Meanwhile, the Galway championships recommence this weekend, following a horrendous spell at intercounty level with the minor, junior, senior and U21 footballers all knocked out of the All-Ireland championships.

Killererin, are in action tomorrow evening at Tuam Stadium against a young Glenamaddy side that will, as usual, look to former county star Shay Walsh for inspiration. However, the presence of the Joyce clan- Tommie, Padraic and cousin Nicholas should be enough for the 1999 champions.

Pearse Stadium, Salthill is the venue on Sunday for an intriguing re-match between Tuam Stars and their first round conquerors An Cheathru Rua.

An Cheathru Rua won their only senior title to date in 1996 and with big Sean Ó Domhnaill, Caoimhin “Terry” MacDonncha and Sean Óg de Paor in their ranks can advance towards another.

The biggest crowd of the day will be at Tuam for an attractive Sunday evening double-bill that opens with an eagerly awaited clash between a rapidly improving Milltown side and Mountbellew-Moylough.

The former will be back-boned by All-Ireland U21 winners Diarmaid Blake and John Devane. Mountbellew-Moylough are more experienced with Joe Bergin and Fergal Gavin forming a dynamic midfield pairing while Derry O’Brien and Michael Higgins are impressive up front and should progress.

In the second game champions and hot favourites Corofin will have current county seniors Michael Comer, Kieran Fitzgerald and Kieran Comer as well as former skipper Ray Silke when they take on a Caltra side powered by the six Meehan brothers, Ollie Hennelly, Oisin Kelly and minor sensation Shane Hogan. The holders should win but it will be close.

Radio Kerry will broadcast a special hour-long edition of the award winning GAA programme Terrace Talk on Sunday morning (10am).