Ryan in the running as Déise begin manager hunt

WATERFORD GAA chiefs last night began interviewing candidates to manage the county senior hurlers in 2011.

A high-powered committee will this week hear from outgoing boss Davy Fitzgerald, former Kilkenny star Eddie O’Connor, ex-Carlow and Mount Sion manager Jim Greene and the current De La Salle boss Michael Ryan.

Ryan, who has enjoyed unparalleled success with the county’s ladies footballers, predicts a bright future for Waterford hurling if the up-and-coming talent is ‘handled properly.’

Ryan, who met with officials last night, explained his reasons for entering the race.

“The position is vacant and I felt that the time is now right. I have been involved with so many different teams in Waterford and in other counties that it was inevitable I would show an interest in the job as senior manager.”

When asked about his objectives if appointed he replied: “Like any manager in intercounty GAA the objective is to win an All-Ireland.

“I have no doubt that there is a bright future in Waterford with a lot of young players who have come through the schools and the minors.

“But that success will only come if they are handled properly.”

Meanwhile, Ryan has revealed he will not be at Croke Park for the All-Ireland Ladies finals on Sunday.

Ryan is a selector with the Dublin side contesting the senior decider against Tyrone while three of his daughters are on the Waterford squad in the intermediate showdown with Donegal.

Ryan is also in charge of De La Salle who are paired with Tallow in a Waterford SHC quarter-final in Dungarvan’s Fraher Field on the same day1.

Attempts to bring the game forward by 24 hours have failed.

He said: “My first commitment is to De La Salle. There were moves made but it couldn’t happen. Yes I am disappointed to miss out on Croke Park both with Dublin and my daughters involved. But there is no other way around it.”