Former Cat O’Connor in hunt for Déise job

FORMER All-Ireland winning Kilkenny captain, Eddie O’Connor, is one of four nominations to become Waterford senior hurling manager.

Outgoing boss Davy Fitzgerald, Michael Ryan and Jim Greene complete the quartet seeking what a county board delegate Seamus Quirke described as “one of the top jobs in hurling”.

A sub committee consisting of chairman Tom Cunningham, vice chairman John O’Leary, secretary Timmy O’Keeffe and treasurer Michael Hogan will begin interviewing all four candidates within a week.

O’Keeffe said yesterday: “Our expectation is that we will be in a position to make a recommendation to the county board meeting on October 11 when the delegates will then make the final decision.”

O’Connor, is no stranger to Waterford hurling having coached senior clubs, De La Salle and Ballyduff Lower while Mount Sion legend Greene has made no secret of his desire for the top post.

Greene, who enjoyed success as both a player and manager with his club also guided the county minor side to a Munster title and had a spell with Carlow seniors.

Ryan is manager of the De La Salle side who are among the favourites for this senior championship honours and achieved unparalleled success in ladies football guiding the senior county team to seven All-Ireland titles.

All three nominees will be hoping to take over from Fitzgerald, who became manager in June 2008 following a player heave against Justin McCarthy. Fitzgerald’s tenure came to an end after their All-Ireland semi-final defeat to eventual champions Tipperary. However the Sixmilebridge native is keen to remain in the post for another season at least.