Kearns stays with Limerick while Ó Sé happy at Westmeath

LIAM KEARNS is definitely staying on as Limerick senior football manager for 2005.

The Kerry native made his announcement last night ending weeks of speculation that he would quit the post, and it now leaves former Mayo full-back and Sligo boss Peter Ford as odds-on favourite to fill the vacancy in Galway. Kearns’ name had been linked with Galway following the resignation of John O’Mahony earlier this summer, but with Kearns now committed to Limerick for another season, the way looks clear for Ford to take over.

Kearns’ decision to stay in Limerick is understood to have been prompted in part by the loyalty he received from dual players at the start of this season.