Fahy takes over in Offaly

GERRY FAHY was appointed manager of the Offaly senior footballers last night. Fahy replaces Paul O’Kelly, who was controversially sacked after eight months at the helm of the Faithful County.

The Athenry-based Garda, earlier this year managed NUI Galway to a three-point victory over UCD in the Datapac Sigerson Final at Páirc Uí Rinn, their first title at the grade in 11 years.

Fahy also has had extensive coaching experience at both club and intercounty level.

He was a Galway senior selector in 1997 when the county were beaten by Mayo in the Connacht championship and has also been involved with the Oranmore club for the past 10 years, bringing them to a county SFC final in 1996 when they were defeated by Carraroe.

Meanwhile, members of the Offaly senior panel met with representatives of the county board executive to press for greater resources to be laid at their disposal.

Meanwhile, Clare football boss John Kennedy will learn the extent of his sideline ban at a Kerry County Board meeting on Monday.

Banner officials are monitoring the controversy closely, as it could scupper Kennedy's managerial plans next season.

He received a six-month ban for a sideline altercation during a juvenile game involving Shannon Rangers last June, and is hopeful that if the suspension will be backdated clearing him in December.

Even if the ban applies from the date of the meeting which handed down the sentence, he would still be able to return to the Clare sideline in February, in time for the start of the Allianz League.

The Kerry Board meeting on Monday is also expected to ratify Jack O'Connor as the new Kingdom football coach, in succession to Paídí Ó Sé. Fresh appointments will also be made to the U21s and minor footballers.