Tompkins taking stock before return to management

LARRY TOMPKINS won’t consider a return to inter-county management until October’s Compromise Rules Series in Australia is complete.

The former All-Ireland winning captain of 1990 took a complete break from management after stepping down as Cork coach last year, and admits he is really enjoying the freedom that brings.

“All my energies are being channelled into selecting a squad of players for the trip to Australia in late October.

“I’ll see what happens after those two games.

“I’m looking forward to the trip down under, and hopefully we can retain our title.

“I’ve had a few calls but there will be no decisions made until after the Australian trip”, he said.

Meanwhile, Clare football coach John Kennedy will meet with officers of the county board next week to discuss his future.

“Because the county chairman is away it is not possible to meet with the officers, but I’m due to talk with them early next week and whatever decision is arrived at, it will then be put before a county board meeting the following week,” Kennedy said yesterday.

Despite speculation that he had resigned his position after the defeat by Sligo in the All-Ireland qualifiers, the former Kerry All-Ireland medal winner said that was not the case.

“My term ended once the team was defeated.

“The outgoing selectors and myself have since talked about the future among ourselves, but next week’s meeting with the county board officers will determine everything.”

Former Limerick manager Liam Kearns is another without a job after he stepped down following his side’s defeat by Derry in the All-Ireland qualifiers.

His name has since been linked with the vacant Kildare position, but Kearns refused to be comment on whether he was interested or not.