Tipp still tight-lipped on new manager

The Tipperary County Board remained tight-lipped about the senior hurling manager vacancy at last night’s County Board meeting in Thurles.

In a brief reference to the ongoing search for the replacement for Liam Sheedy, who stepped down earlier this month after three years in charge, chairman Barry O’Brien said the selection process was ongoing and that they were not in a position to bring a recommendation before delegates at this time.

He added that it was far from the case that selection process had concluded, in what was a veiled reference to the mounting speculation surrounding the possibility of former All Ireland winning manager Nicky English returning to the role which he held between 1999 and 2002.

Earlier in the day, the County Board denied that English had been offered the position prior to his departure for a holiday over two weeks ago and which he is due to return from today.

What was confirmed at the meeting was the candidature of Con Hogan to be the next President of the GAA which will voted on at next years

Annual Congress in Mullingar.

Hogan, who is a trustee of the association and who played a key role in securing the agreement between the GAA and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) is the second confirmed candidate in the race to succeed Christy Cooney as they next President of the GAA with Laois’s Liam O’Neill also standing.

Meanwhile, Louth footballers have received an unexpected bonus for next year with the news Shane Lennon has changed his mind about emigrating to Australia.

The ace full-forward had indicated his intention to move Down-Under before Christmas in search of work, and team boss Peter Fitzpatrick was resigned to losing the player’s services for the 2011 league and championship campaigns. But now the employment scenario has changed in relation to the Kilkerley Emmets clubman, and he will be available to the Wee County as Fitzpatrick’s troops bid to build on this year’s outstanding promise.

“There’s something in the pipeline for Shane work-wise, and so he’ll be staying in this country,” said Fitzpatrick, whose side missed out on the Leinster title glory this year due to Meath’s controversial goal in the provincial decider.

Lennon played through the pain barrier in this year’s championship, taking part in five matches despite the fact that he snapped ligaments in his thumb near the the end of the opening outing against Longford.

Following the clash against the Midlanders, he had a specially-made cast fitted to his right hand to enable him to play matches.

“Shane had surgery on this thumb five weeks ago, and his hand will be in plaster for another five weeks,” explained Fitzpatrick. “But hopefully he will be available for our first O’Byrne Cup game on January 9.”

Unfortunately for Louth, Fitzpatrick will have to plan without key trio Mick Fanning, John O’Brien and Brian White for next year’s programme. Defenders Fanning and O’Brien, as well as midfielder White, have all confirmed their plans to emigrate to Australia.