Mickey Ned keen for second shot at Shannonside helm

MICKEY Ned O’Sullivan is prepared to soldier on as manger of the Limerick senior footballers for at least another season, according to Limerick’s football board vice-chairman Michael Sheehan.

“His one-year contract ended on Saturday when we lost narrowly to Westmeath in the All-Ireland qualifiers, and he hinted afterwards that he was anxious to give it another season,” said Sheehan, adding that the manager’s position was likely to be discussed in September.

O’Sullivan succeeded fellow Kerry man Liam Kearns and steered the Shannonsiders back to Division 1B of the National League, seen as a major achievement in that 12 members of the previous season’s squad had quit.

Kearns built his squad — they reached two Munster finals — around the Under-21 side which shocked the football world by qualifying for the All-Ireland final in 2000, in which they were beaten by Tyrone. Less than a handful are now involved at senior level.

It is understood that captain and leading scorer Muiris Gavin is considering his future at the top level.

Explained Sheehan: “Muiris has been a great servant over the years but missed out on most of the 2005-2006 campaign because of an ongoing injury. It has been mentioned that he is contemplating taking a break from the game.”

Meanwhile, Stephen Lucey (finger injury) remains a doubtful starter for Limerick for Saturday’s All-Ireland hurling qualifier against Dublin.